2600th Buddha Jayanthi Celebration in 2011 in London
May the Dispensation of Lord Buddha be ever present in the whole Universe!

By Ven Akurala Samitha (Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre)

The fourth consecutive meeting of the Sri Lankan Sangha Sabha in United Kingdom was held at Letchworth Buddhist Vihara on 17th June 2010. It was another very successful congregation due to enthusiastic and considerable number of attendance of venerable monks, representing many of the Sri Lankan Buddhist Temples in the United Kingdom. All the venerables sincerely appreciated the rare opportunity for togetherness among monks (Sangha samaggi) and regular congregations as a constructive and effective mean for a proper missionary mission (Dhamma dhuta seva).

Many important issues, with regard to the propagation of The Buddha Dhamma were brought into close attention. Among them, Sri Lankan Sangha Sabha in The United Kingdom unanimously agreed to host a Special Celebration to mark the 2600th Buddha Jayanthi in 2011 in London. Most Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Sangha Nayaka thero (The Chief Prelate of United Kingdom), the Head monk of the London Buddhist Vihara initially suggested this unique idea. 2600th Buddha Jayanthi (Birth Anniversary of the Lord Buddha) is a historical milestone. An initial meeting to discuss the proper arrangements is meant to be held on Wednesday 28th July 2010 at 3pm at London Buddhist Vihara with the full participation of a responsible monk and a devotee from every Sri Lankan temple in the United Kingdom. Sri Lankan Sangha Sabha in the United Kingdom duly expects to call all the Buddhist organisations, respectful Diplomats and interfaith groups in the United Kingdom to join into this mass celebration on Sunday 29th May 2011 in London with the sole aspiration "Long may securely last in the whole universe, the teachings and the order of the Gauthama Lord Buddha" (Chiran Titthatu Lokasmin - Samma Sambuddha Sasanan).

The Theravada literature (Early Buddhism) that was compiled after the 2nd Buddhist council, according to Buddhaghosa, were the 9 parts of Buddha’s dispensation (Navanga satthu sasana): as 1. Sutta (Discourses) 2. Geyya (Mixed prose) 3. Veyyakarana (Explanation of passages of scriptures) 4. Gatha (Verses) 5. Udana (Utterances of joy) 6. Itivuttaka (Ethical teachings of the Buddha) 7. Jataka (Past birth stories of the Buddha) 8. Vedalla (Analysis/ Abhidhamma) 9. Abbutadhamma (Extraordinary things/miracles). In sort, The Dispensation of the Lord Buddha (Dhamma vinaya sasana) is composed with the perfectly expounded Dhamma (doctrines) and The Vinaya (discipline).

2500th Sambuddhatva Jayanthi (Anniversary of The Enlightenment of Lord Buddha) was celebrated in grand scale by the Buddhists across the globe in 1956. Sri Lankan Buddhists bear the prestigious credit of introducing this well in advance in 1946. Soon after the unfortunate and miserable memories of the Second World War (1939-1945), there arose an inspiration of hope to the whole universe in order to make the Earth as the best place to live in harmony, with the introduction of 2500th Buddha Jayanthi exclusively by Sri Lankan Buddhist in 1956. Due to the well organized preparations and graceful ardour for ten years in order to celebrate 2500th Sambuddhatva Jayanthi in Sri Lanka in 1956, it brought immense wholesomeness to the entire community. "One who lives with the Dhamma is protected by the Dhamma" (dhammo have rakkhathi Dhamma chari).

Statistically the population in Sri Lanka in 1946 was around 65 000,00 and recorded crimes were 34,000 in police reports. It was evident that a revivalism of the human nature was significantly taken place during this ten years period by putting the recorded crimes into 18000 of an increased population of 82,00000 in Sri Lanka according to the police reports in 1956. This is a very simple example to convince the benefits in human and environmental developments of such celebrations.

After 1956, Buddhists across the globe started to think far beyond ritualistic understanding about Buddhism and paid special close attentions to the essential and important doctrines of the Buddha such as Satipatthana Sutta (Discourse on Mindfulness). This created a whole new chapter in modern psychology particularly in the west and drawn the world view into mindfulness based meditation techniques with Buddhist values to gain the lasting mental and physical well-being.

Sri Lankan Sangha Sabha of United Kingdom openly and compassionately invites everyone to join and support in this historical, rewarding and unique opportunity to celebrate 2600th Buddha Jayanthi in 2011.

Most Venerable Dr Witharandeniye Kassapa Thero (OBE) chaired the meeting. Most Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thero and Most Venerable Galayaye Piyadassi Nayaka Thero (MBE) were also attended. Venerable Nahalle Rahula Thero hosted the venue providing adequate facilities and requisites with the support of the members of the Vihara.

Next meeting (5th Congregation) is scheduled to be held on Wednesday 13th October 2010 at London Buddhist Vihara at 2pm. Prior to the completion of the Rainy Retreat (vassana pavarana) and abided by a historical monastic tradition as laid down by the Lord Buddha, A ceremony of Pathimokkha Recitation (essential regular monastic recollections for monks) will take place on this day with the proceedings of the meeting.

For more information: Sri Lankan Sangha Sabha of United Kingdom - London Buddhist Vihara - The Avenue, Bedford Park, Chiswick, London W4 1UD. United Kingdom - Telephone: 0044 208 9959493 Email: slscgb@gmail.com Website: www.sanghasabhauk.org