“Our primary objective is to cultivate pathways to well-being by presenting authentic Buddhist stories through the transformative power of art.”

Knowledge Bestows Discipline.

Knowledge and realisation are two distinct faculties. No matter how much knowledge one possesses, the moment of true realising may arise either after many years or within a single instant. The attainment of realising varies from person to person: for some it comes through observation, for others through experience, for others through a particular event, and for yet others through suffering.

Profound truths of the Dhamma, when expressed through a verse or a discourse, are comprehended only by a very few. Yet, within society, there exist numerous methods of imparting such profound knowledge: through poetry, stories, drama, discussions of the Dhamma, and even through paintings and sculptures. There is no doubt that each of these methods carries a long historical tradition.

The murals within temples once greatly contributed to the people’s comprehension of the Dhamma. In the present age, however, because of our restless way of life, we are scarcely able to attain even a modest level of realising from observing such paintings. People seem to lack both the leisure and the contemplative calm required for such reflection.

Focusing upon this problem in contemporary society, I realized an alternative: if the murals could be adapted into illustrated narratives and published as comic-style books, individuals would then be free to engage with them in their own time and at their own pace, thereby taking an initial step toward a deeper realising of the Truth.

With this in mind, I have begun creating illustrated stories based on the “550 reincarnation Tales” the sacred stories of the reincarnation stories of the one who strives for enlightenment (Bodhisattva). My effort is directed toward providing society with an accessible medium for cultivating human “Virtues” through the Dhamma Truth. The moral and literary values contained within the five hundred and fifty five reincarnation Tales will be presented sequentially, section by section. These illustrated stories are designed so that individuals of any age may gain meaningful insight.

Although dedicating time and labor to such an endeavor often entails financial risk, I undertake it as a responsibility I owe to future generations, with the skills and knowledge that I possess. The strength to think and act in this way has itself arisen through the study and contemplation of Dhamma literature.

May all your endeavors be successful.

Indrajith Wewalage

Creative Artist of Virtue