Lankan HC in Britain marks Vesak with alms giving
May 24, 2010 05:16 pm
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in the
This was part of its Vesak Celebrations and also to invoke
blessings on the President, the government and the people of
Ven. Pahalagama Somarathana thero, Chief Incumbent of the Thames Buddhist vihara, Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala thero, Chief Incumbent of the London Buddhist Vihara, Ven. Galayaye Piyadassi thero, Chief Incumbent of the Kingsbury Buddhist Vihara attended the Dana. Ven. Pahalagama Somarathana thero explained the significance of offering alms in line of the Dana Paramitha of the Lord Buddha. Ven. thero also stated that the concept of Dana is an exemplary teaching of the Lord Buddha and relevant in today’s context as well.
Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala thero in his anusasana stated that
he was pleased that such a function had been organized by the High Commission
to celebrate the Vesak and also to remember the fallen soldiers with the
participation of all sections of Sri Lankan community in
Ven. Galayaye Piyadassi thero conducted the Buddha Puja.
Following the alms giving a Dansela (Open House) was held
offering Sri Lankan food where Sri Lankans as well as British citizens
participated. High Commissioner Justice Nihal Jayasinghe stated that this is
the first ever Dansela organized in the sixty years of history of Sri Lanka High
Commission in
The High Commission premises were colorfully decorated with Vesak lanterns, Buddhist flags and decorations.
The High Commission has also organized a Vesak lecture
titled “Buddhism as a Resource for Peace and Progress: Who is Prepared to Use
it?” by Prof. Richard F. Gombrich of
the
Vesak is the day of the birth, enlightenment and the passing
away of the Lord Buddha which is celebrated widely in the Buddhist world. On
the initiation of