Ceylon Radio
“Esala Poya” which falls on the full moon day of July (which fell on this Saturday 12th July this year) marks highest number of most sacred events that took place in the Buddhist Calendar including Dhamma Chakka Desana (very first sermon of the Buddha), Great renunciation of Prince Siddhartha, Conception of the Prince, First Great Council after Maha Parinibbana and so on also is the day that resident monks in respective temples observe “Vassa” the rainy retreat.
In the same tradition, the newly established Sri Sambodhi Buddhist Meditation centre at 84 Dacre Road also saw the observance of “Vas” by resident monks led by the Most Venerable Daranagama Kusaladhamma Maha Thera the chief incumbent of the Sri Sambodhi Vihara and the Director General of the Buddhist TV Sri Lanka and invited by the white clad devotees from all parts of the UK.
The ceremony began by administering five precepts and veneration to the Triple Gem led by the Kusaladhamma Maha Thera. On behalf of all devotees, Dr Sunil Kariyakarawana after offering the “vesi-salu and other offerings, invited the monks with folded handed to observe “vass” for the benefit of all. By accepting the invite, the most Venerable Kusaladhamma Maha Thera expressed his keenness to remain in this new centre for the benefit of all Buddhists despite many pressing demands placed on him to be back in Sri Lanka.
The event concluded after chanting of the Dhamma Chakka Pavattana Sutta desana followed by a meditation session in the Buddha Garden. All are welcome to join the Vihara management committee in supporting the monks throughout the Vassa Season. Most Venerable Pitigala Gunarathana Maha Thera is of all. By accepting the invite, the most Venerable Kusaladhamma Maha Thera expressed his keenness to remain in this new centre for the benefit of all Buddhists despite many pressing demands placed on him to be back in Sri Lanka.
The event concluded after chanting of the Dhamma Chakka Pavattana Sutta desana followed by a meditation session in the Buddha Garden. All are welcome to join the Vihara management committee in supporting the monks throughout the Vassa Season. Most Venerable Pitigala Gunarathana Maha Thera is due to arrive this week and join the resident monk for the Vassa period. May all being be benefitted by this new centre at Plaistow!
Pictures by Nimal Navaratne
