by JAYASENA JAYAKODY Size: 5.5” X 8.25” Pages: 300 Published for FREE DISTRIBUTION by MAHINDARAMA BUDDHIST TEMPLE No. 2 Kampar Road 10460 Penang MALAYSIA

Photos of the Book Launching at Mahindarama Buddhist Temple on Vesak Eve 2012.

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This is an absorbing work of fiction woven around the life of the Buddha, The Supremely Enlightened One. The well known episodes are dramatized vividly through imaginative visualization. The most outstanding quality of this work is that Prince Siddhattha and other personalities are vibrantly made alive. Though a work of fiction, it reads very much like authentically realistic presentation. Those who have been familiar only with the familiar aspects of the life of the Buddha, will find this refreshing aspect.
~ Singapore Buddhist Meditation Centre

Jayasena Jayakody’s PORTRAIT OF THE BUDDHA vividly describes the life and culture of Sinhala Buddhists. 

The author’s observations are penetrating and his insight into the life around him is remarkably deep. Being a humanist nurtured in Buddhist cultural heritage, he views the life of the common man with a rare sensitivity.

PORTRAIT OF THE BUDDHA is not only a useful addition to Buddhist literature but also a powerful piece of creative writing. The book provides the reader with an understanding of the Buddha, His teachings and above all, one’s own self. 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jayasena Jayakody is one of the most prominent new generation Sinhala writers of today. The life and culture of the Sinhala Buddhist masses are pictured with clarity and vividness in his work. His observations are penetrating and his insight into the life around him is remarkably deep. A humanist nurtured in Buddhist cultural heritage he views the life of the common man with a rare sensitivity.

Critics have expressed the view that PORTRAIT OF THE BUDDHA written by Jayakody (who has thrice won the highest National award for literature) is one of the most significant additions to Buddhist literature in contemporary times. It is a powerful piece of creative writing, capable of infusing the mind with thoughts of compassion and loving-kindness. The PORTRAIT OF THE BUDDHA provides the reader with an understanding of the Buddha, His teachings, and above all, one's own self.


Novels by Jayasena Jayakody 
• Yugayen Yugaya
• Asvenna (State Literary Award 1971)
• Ambudaruvo
• Randahadiya
• Sudu Valakulu
• Ran Kukulo Igila Yati
• Parasaturo (State Literary Award 1977)
• Debeyo
• Raigam Puttu (State Literary Award 1989)
• Katu Kohila Kotuva
• Baddegedera
• Manussatma
• Amavessa
• Gotama Geetaya
• Gihigedara
• Yasodava - I
• Pichchamala
• Araliyamal Aramaya
• Mahamera
• Upekka
• Pinketa
• Sil Suvanda
• Sudu Neluma - I

Works Translated into English 
• The Voyage (Pichchamala) 
• Portrait of the Buddha (Amavessa)