2006-05-12
Lord Buddha preached of two types of offerings one could make to him, namely “amisa” and “pratipatti”. This advice was seeing put into practice at the official residence of the Hon. Speaker and the Parliamentary Complex during the Vesak season. What better time to practice the great teacher’s preaching than on the date of commemoration of his Birth, Enlightenment and Passing away (Parinibbāna).
A combination of events named “Diyawanna Vesak Asiriya” was held during these three religiously important days from the May 10th to the 12th. The build up to the Vesak Poya day included a Pirith discourse on the 10th and an offering of Alms to the Maha Sangha the next day at the Speaker’s residence.
The agenda for the Vesak Poya day was a comprehensive one that included Observation of Sil, Buddha Pooja, Offering of Alms, Dhamma discussion, Meditation programme, “Bhakthi Geetha”, “Dansels” and more.
The morning began by Ven. Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero conducting the Observation of precepts for the devotees including Parliamentary and ancillary staff. This was carried out in front of the Buddha statue and Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi sited at the Speaker’s official residence. It was a leisurely morning session for the devotees, which sponsored their much-needed spiritual contentment. The Buddha Pooja and Midday Alms were the last events for the morning session while the evening session began with an erudite Dhamma Discussion, graced by Ven. Pitiduwe Siridhamma Thero, Prof. Sumanadasa Galmangoda, Dr. D. V. J. Harishchandra and the Hon. Speaker himself. It was conducted by Mr. Hasantha Hettiarachchi of ITN while the keen involvement of devotees in this discussion was a noteworthy feature. The Chief incumbent of Maharagama Bhikku Training Centre, Ven. Trikunamalaye Ananda Thero, conducted the succeeding meditation programme.
A charm procession from the Speaker’s residence to the Parliamentary Complex was next to follow where the evening’s Bodhi Pooja took place. It was conducted opposite the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi at the Parliamentary premises by Ven. Trikunamalaye Ananda Thero.
The evening at the Parliament grounds was a busy one. The Pandal, Two “Dansels” and “Bhakthi Geetha” were the attractions for the thousands who gathered. A hopper dansela was the first to be opened and was able to serve until the early hours of the next day. The Rice dansela wasn’t behind par either. Vegetarian meals were served for about 5,000 people for more than four hours. The efforts of the Parliament Staff Buddhist Association led by its president and secretary were most commendable when making this event a success.
There were another couple of colourful events taking place among these activities. The main attraction was the Vesak Pandal depicting the ten virtues for good governance ( Dasha Raja Dharma) preached by the Buddha. This is the first time that an event of this nature was held in or around the Parliamentary premises. Initiated on an invitation done by His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapakse, It was entirely funded by the Chairman of Nawaloka group of companies Deshamanya H. K. Dharmadasa while the Chief incumbent of Nawaloka Viharaya, Ven. Pannala Gnanaloka Thero was the chief advisor for this task. The opening of the pandal was done by the Hon. Speaker and a gathering of special invitees. Once again the overwhelming sponsorship of the Hon. Speaker, Hon. Deputy Speaker, Secretary General of Parliament, Deputy Secretary General, Assistant Secretary General and the members of Parliament Staff Buddhist Association was laudable throughout the 6 days of the pandal’s exhibit.
The final event for the evening was the “Bhakthi Geetha”. Singers from the “Bhakthi Geetha” group of the Bank of Ceylon performed with their harmonious voices for nearly an hour, creating a serenely atmosphere for those who were present at the grounds.
The Parliament has certainly made its mark this year, which the 2550th Buddha Jayanthi is being celebrated. Being the supreme legislative body in the country where decisions are made, these meritorious deeds add value to the cause it serves the country and its people.
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