Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha has commended the services rendered by the Maha Sanga living in the United States of America and in other countries, and said they propagated the most sacred offering Sri Lanka could share with the world - Buddhism.
Ambassador Aryasinha made these observations when he addressed the commencement ceremony on the occasion of the day long chanting of the “Ratana Sutta 108 times, virtually linked to an audience across the USA and the world on Sunday (27 December). The initiative taken by the Most Venerable Dr. Aggamaha Panditha Walpola Piyananda Nayaka Thero, of the Dharma Vijaya Buddhist Vihara in Los Angeles, saw the coming together of the Maha Sanga from 108 temples - representing over 100 Sri Lankan Buddhist temples across the USA, and also joined by Buddhist Monks representing Thai, Nepalese, Vietnamese and Bangladesh temples.
Noting that people in all corners of the world were going through uncertainty and psychological strain on an unprecedented scale at present due to the Covid -19 pandemic and the accompanying economic hardship, Ambassador Aryasinha said the Buddha’s teachings were universal, and the blessings that accrued from the chanting of the Ratana Sutta at this time would benefit all beings, irrespective of their faith, just as it did in the time of the Buddha.
Earlier delivering the Anusasana on the occasion Rev. Heenbunne Kondanna thero , from the Staten Island Buddhist Vihara Meditation Center, New York said the Ratana Sutta is a powerful blessing for protection and an aid for everyone. He recalled that according to Buddhist scriptures, the Buddha had recited this Sutta in the city of Vesàla, India, and as a result, calamities caused by famine, evil spirits and disease, had vanished completely.
The Most Venerable Dr Aggamaha Panditha Walpola Piyananda Nayaka Thero, observed that in addition to a response to the present Covid crisis, this meritorious act was also intended to bestow blessings on the leaders in the USA and Sri Lanka, and to bless all as we enter the new year 2021.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington D.C.
30 December 2020
