Mahinda (Buddhist monk)

Mahinda (traditionally dated 3rd century BCE) was a Buddhist monk believed to have brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka. He was, according to the Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa chronicles, the son of Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire and his consort Devi.

Mahinda's arrival in Sri Lanka is considered a pivotal event in the island's history. He led a mission of monks to the island, converting King Devanampiyatissa and his court to Buddhism. This event led to the establishment of the first Buddhist institutions in Sri Lanka, including the Mahavihara monastery in Anuradhapura, which became a significant center of Theravada Buddhist learning.

Accounts indicate that Mahinda introduced the Tripitaka, the Buddhist scriptures, to Sri Lanka in the Pali language. He is also credited with establishing the monastic order (Sangha) and setting the foundation for the development of a distinct Sri Lankan Buddhist culture. His teachings emphasized the importance of ethical conduct, mindfulness, and the pursuit of enlightenment through the practice of meditation.

Mahinda's legacy extends beyond the religious sphere, impacting Sri Lankan art, architecture, and social structures. His arrival is commemorated annually during the Poson Poya festival, a significant Buddhist holiday in Sri Lanka.