Marking the first month of the Buddhist Calendar and with the intention of reaching out to the German Buddhist community, the Embassy of Sri Lanka organized a ‘Vesak day’ programme on Sunday 07th May 2017 at the Embassy premises with the participation of Ven. Mahasangha and over 150 participants of Sri Lankan and German community in Berlin.
The week long Vesak programme organized by the Embassy to celebrate this year’s special arrangements to mark the United Nations Vesak Day Celebrations in Berlin will conclude with the Vesak Day celebrations on 14th May 2017 at the Buddhistische Haus in Berlin Frohnau.
Ven. Rambukwelle Devananda Thero of Sambodhi Buddhist Vihara Berlin administered ‘Pansil’ (five precepts) and ‘Gilanpasa Buddha Pooja’. The Vesak commemorative sermon on “Self Realization – The Noble Path to Happiness, Peace & Perfect Liberation” was delivered by Ven Gangodavila Ariyagawesi Thero of Ulpathkanda Forest Monastery Kandy, and was followed by a Dhamma sermon highlighting the importance of practicing the teachings of Lord Buddha in everyday life in German language by Ven. Santutto Bikhu of Wat Buddhist Vihara, Berlin. The participants were encouraged to reflect more deeply on the Buddhist ways of life.
Ven. Bambalapitiye Medhankara Thero of Bambalapitiya Siri Vajiraramaya Temple, Ven. Gangodavila Santhamanasa Thero of Ulpathkanda Forest Monastery, Kandy and Ven. Bhikkuni Anagarika Kusaladhamma from Berlin also honored the Vesak festival with their participation. Following the Dhamma discussions, a Pirith chanting session was conducted by the Ven. Mahasangha, to invoke blessings upon the participants and all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and a happy life.
In keeping with traditions of the festival, the Embassy premises were decorated with Buddhist flags, lamps and colourful Vesak lanterns. Ambassador, Karunatilaka Amunugama during his speech emphasized the importance of the Vesak day and recalled the joint efforts of the international Buddhist community, led by Sri Lanka to spread the teachings of Buddha which conveys a timeless message for every individual to live happily and peacefully. Ambassador also thanked the religious dignitaries and all other invitees for their participation and contribution for the event.
At the end of the programme the participants were invited to enjoy a Sri Lankan vegetarian meal prepared by the Embassy staff.
Embassy of Sri Lanka, Berlin
09th May 2017
