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Vesak celebrations at Sri Lanka High Commission -2010 |
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Vesak Commemoration Lecture 2010 Prof. Gombrich highlighted the importance of Buddhism in today’s context as a philosophy of peace and tolerance. Buddhism should be utilized progressively in today’s political and social life rather than restricting its practice to temples and monks. He said that The Lord Buddha has taught the importance of pre-empting violence by alleviating poverty which is the fundamental cause of conflict and chaos in the society. The Buddhist world should shed the differences to uphold the basic principles of Buddhism, which are of great importance for the peaceful existence of the humankind. Prof. Gombrich is a world renowned scholar in Buddhist studies, Sanskrit and Pali and a leading British Indologist. Founder President of the Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies and President of the UK Association of Buddhist Studies, Prof. Gombrich has published twenty books in Buddhism and related studies and authored more than a hundred articles as well as over sixty book reviews.
Buddhist Monks, Academics, Diplomats and members of the British and Sri Lankan community took part in the event, which was a part of Vesak
celebrations organized by the High Commission.
An alms giving to 17 Buddhist monks representing all Buddhist temples in London The High Commission of Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom organized an alms giving to 17 Buddhist monks representing all Buddhist temples in London on Sunday 23rd May 2010 at the High Commission premises, as part of its Vesak Celebrations and also to invoke blessings on the President, the government and the people of Sri Lanka. The heroic soldiers who sacrificed their lives in defending the sovereignty of the country were remembered and were bestowed merits. 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 London. 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 London and added that the mission will continue to celebrate all Sri Lankan religious festivals. 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 Oxford University on 26 May. Prof. Gombrich is a world renowned scholar in Buddhist studies. Several British political leaders, academics, civil society representatives and diplomats have been invited for this lecture.
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 Sri Lanka, the United Nations declared the Vesak as a day of observance at the United Nations in the year 2000.
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