VESAK CELEBRATIONS – LEICESTER BUDDHIST VIHARA  (EMBA)

By  Samitha Guruge.

The resident monks at the Leicester vihara with the help of the members of the East Midlands Buddhist Association (EMBA) organised this years Vesak festival. It was held in grand style at the Blaby District social centre on Saturday 21st May, to commemorate and celebrate the Sambuddhatva Jayanthi.

This years Vesak day was of great significance to Buddhist all over the world. It marks the 2600th anniversary of the enlightenment of prince Sidddhartha Gautama who became a Buddha and brought teachings of Buddhism to the world.

Buddhists living in the East Midlands  had the opportunity to observe Ata sil. There were more than 20 devotees who observed Ata sil on that day. Two invaluable Dharma sermons were delivered by Dr Senerath Perera from Kettering and Dr Sunil Kariyakarawana the Buddhist chaplain of British army. The ceremony was well attended and had so many significant events organised in addition to the Poya Ata sil program.

Mr  & Mrs.  Anura Edirisingha and family from Loughborough donated a specially designed Karaduwa, and Mr & Mrs Sunil Silva and family from Grantham donated two beautiful statues of Agrasravakas,  Sariyuth and Mugalan  ( two main disciples of the Buddha) to the Leicester Vihara.

All this was followed by well presented Bakthi Gee recitals sung in Sinhala and English by separate groups of adults and children. This was the first time Leicester vihara organised such a beautiful event to commemorate Vesak with both types of offerings – “Amisa-puja” and “Patipatti-puja” The large number of Vesak Lanterns in different shapes that were on display added to the glamour and serenity of the occasion.

Special thanks should go to all individuals and the members of the EMBA for organising such a colourful vibrant event and giving the opportunity to the membership to take part in both material or hospitality offerings (amisa-puja) & pay our homage to our lord Buddha with practice offerings (patipatti-puja such as giving  dāna , moral conduct (sīla), meditation (samādhi), wisdom (pañña). On this Vesak festive season it should be our determination to take refuge in the teachings of Buddha and through its proper observance make the 2600th Sambuddhatva Jayanthi meaningful one in our lives.

Very special thanks go to the resident monk of the Leicester Buddhist Vihara Rev Teldeniyaye Amitha Thero for organising this event at such a short notice. May the triple gem bless you and guide you for many years so that we Buddhists could benefit from your invaluable service to the community.