JOURNAL OF THE LONDON BUDDHIST VIHARA THE FIRST AND THE FOREMOST BUDDHIST VIHARA OF THE WESTERN WORLD ESTABLISHED IN 1926 BY THE

ISSUE No. 53 & 54 JANUARY 2019-MAY 2019 B.E. 2562-63 ISSN 1368-1516 TRIPITAKA Incomparable source of the wisdom of the Buddha

by Ven. B. Seelawimala Nayaka Thera Head of the London Buddhist Vihara

n our modern times, there is an is tri ‘three’ and pitaka meaning Sutta Pitaka - Basket of discourses Ienthusiastic awareness to learn ‘baskets’). It is known in the West as This contains the Buddha's teachings, about the Tripitaka. The Sri Lankan the canon, and is the collection recorded mainly as sermons. It is a government has recently announced of primary Pali language texts which collection of Suttas, or discourses, that the Tripitaka be considered as form the doctrinal foundation of attributed to the Buddha and a few of a National heritage in . In . The Tripitaka his closest disciples, containing all addition, HE Maitripala Sirisena the and the discourses and commentaries, the central teachings of Theravada president of Sri Lanka has proposed together constitute the complete body Buddhism. There are more than ten to the representative of the United of classical Theravada texts.The thousand discourses in the Sutta Nations in , requesting Theravada tradition is also known Pitaka, it contains the essence of that the UN consider accepting the as Pali Buddhism, due to Pali being Theravada teaching. There are five Tripitaka as a World Heritage. the canonical language of Theravada. main books in Sutta pitaka. But the largest one, Kuddhaka Nikaya has With this idea in mind, many Sri The Buddha said; ‘The Dhamma and fifteen different books. Lankan Embassies around the World, , which I have taught you, will together with the co-operation of be you teacher after my passing’. Abhidhamma Pitaka - Is a collection Viharas, have jointly organised of texts in which the doctrinal seminars and talks promoting the Vinaya Pitaka - This is the collection principles presented in the Sutta idea. In this issue, the main theme of texts concerning the rules of Pitaka are reworked and reorganized is to introduce Tripitaka and its conduct governing the daily affairs into a practical framework that can be historical developments through the within the - the community applied to the investigation into the centuries and the challenges faced to of (ordained monks) and essential nature of mind and matter. the present day. bhikkhunis (ordained nuns). It is more The difference of Sutta Pitaka and than just a list of rules. The Vinaya Abhidhamma Pitaka is distinguished So far, you may know, the UN has Pitaka includes all the stories behind as conventional truth and absolute accepted the Statues and Temples in the origin of each rule, so it is not just truths. The Buddha taught both kinds forests and parks of world as World a set of rules without explanation but of truth, depending on the level of Heritage sites and we hope they will provides a detailed account of the understanding of his audience, almost consider the Tripitaka in the same Buddha's solution to the question on like using different languages to way. how to maintain communal harmony, explain the same thing, but there is within a large and diverse spiritual no suggestion that one language is The Tripitaka (translated from Pali community. Continued on page 2

 Dhamma without ? INSIDE  Back to Basics  Courses for 2019 THIS ISSUE  Serve To Be Perfect - Be Perfect To Serve  A-Z of Buddhism  Programmes and activities

1 1 ISSUE No. 53 & 54 SAMADHI JANUARY 2019-MAY 2019

Chief Executive: Ven. B. Seelawimala Nayaka Thera Editor: Ven. Tawalama Bandula

Continued from page 1 Venerable Mahamoggaliputta Tissa Lankan monasteries and the other superior or inferior to the other. So presided over the council. King neighboring lands like Thailand and it is not about two different kinds of Dharammasoka of Pataliputta gave Myanmar, were carefully deciphered, truth, but of two different ways of the necessary support to the council. edited and translated into Sinhala. presenting the same truth. It lasted nine months. After the Third Later this collection of Tripitaka texts Council, nine missions were sent to was published under the patronage Historical records nine different places to propagate of the Sri Lanka Government as the The First Great Council - Three the Sasana. Arahant Maha Buddha Jayanti Tripitaka Series in months after the passing away of with five Arahants was sent to Sri 57 volumes. the Buddha, the First Great Council Lanka. The mission of five Arahats to was held in Sattapanni Cave Pavilion Suvannabhumi, Myanmar, was led by The - Pali Text at Mount Vebhara near the city Venerable Sona Thera and Venerable Society opened the doors for the of Rajagaha.The immediate cause Uttara Thera. study of Pali Tripitaka in the West. for this council was a reported The society was founded in 1881 by Subhadda, who became a in The Fourth Great Council - The Thomas William Rhys Davids (1843- his old age, disparaged the Buddha's Fourth Council was held at Cave 1922), Professor of Comparative Teachings on the seventh day after the Aloka in Malaya district, (Matale) Religion in University College Buddha had passed away. On hearing Sri Lanka, in 450 B.E (94 B.C). The of London. In 1864 Rhys Davis those insulting words, Venerable people of Sri Lanka were hard hit was appointed as a civil servant in Mahakassapa decided to hold the by rebels, hunger and starvation for Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and became a First Great Council. Five hundred twelve years. So the Bhikkhus had Magistrate. In a case he was presiding Arahats, including Venerable Upali to make strong efforts to maintain over involving a , and Venerable Ananda, took part the Buddha's Teachings. The elder a Pali document was presented as in that council which lasted seven Bhikkhus foresaw that if there would evidence and no one present could months. In this council eminent appear such danger in future, and translate. Rhys Davids’ interest was Monks were given responsibilities to the Bhikkhus would not be able to aroused, and he sought out a monk learn the Dhamma by heart, and hand memorize the discourses and the who could teach him Pali, an old down from teacher to student for the disciplines by heart because of the Bhikkhu named Yatramulle Unnanse. purpose of continuity. decline in their power of , When Rhys Davids returned to concentration and wisdom. Therefore, England he established the Pali Text Second Great Council - The Second they held the Fourth Great Council Society ‘to foster and promote the Council was held at Valukarama and written down the Tripitaka on Ola study of Pāli texts’ monastery, near the city of Vesali,100 leaves.“ At that time seeing the loss years after the passing away of the of living beings the monks assembled. The society first compiled, edited, Buddha.B.E. (443 B.C). It was held They wrote in books for the long and published Latin script versions because the bhikkhus of the Vajji clan standing of the ” Deepavansa of a large corpus of Pāli literature, from Vesali preached and practised 21/22Chapter 20, including the Pāli Canon. It also ten unlawful modifications in the publishes ancillary works including Rules of the Order. The seven hundred Modern translations of Tripitaka dictionaries, books for students of Pāli Arahats led by Venerable , In 1955, celebrating the 2500 years of and a journal. Venerable Sabbakami and Venerable Buddha-Jayanti (that is, 2500 years Revata, took part in the council while from the Buddha’s passing away), Conclusion - The Tripitaka, during King Kalasoka of Vesali and the the Sri Lanka (Ceylon) government its gradual development over many people gave all the necessary support initiated another historic movement Centuries, faced challenges but, it to that council, it lasted eight months. for translating this Tripitaka into has been preserved, to this day, for Sinhala. This task was undertaken the next generation to inherit. This The Third Great Council - The by the Editorial Board of Tripitaka teaching is not only for Theravadins, Third Council was held at Asokarama Translation headed by Ven. Weliwitiye but is the preserve of the Buddha’s Monastery in the city of Pataliputta in Sorata Nayaka Thera. This notable teachings for all Humankind. 235 B.E (308 B.C). Sixty thousand and sacred duty was officially started ascetics infiltrated into the Sangha on the 19th March 1955 with the We should be grateful for ever, to Order, polluting the Sasana with their of Tripitaka texts to the those who have made an enormous corrupt lives and heretical views. That Editorial Board by Prime Minister effort with risk to their lives, for is the main reason why the Third John Kotelawala. After the attempt of preserving the great treasure of Council was held by one thousand several years, virtually all the Palm- Tripitaka. Arahats in order to protect the Sasana. leaf Tripitaka texts, supplied by Sri

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DHAMMA WITHOUT REBIRTH? by

n line with the present-day stress of our own experience we can see path of Dhamma has been a gnaw- Ion the need for religious teachings that sorrow, tension, fear and grief ing sense of dissatisfaction with the to be personally relevant and directly always arise from our greed, aver- routine course of our unenlightened verifiable, in certain Dhamma circles sion and ignorance, and thus can be lives rather than a keen perception the time-honoured Buddhist doctrine eliminated with the removal of those of the dangers in the round of re- of rebirth has come up for severe re- defilements. The importance of this births. However, if we are going to examination. Although only a few directly visible side of Dhamma follow the Dhamma through to its contemporary Buddhist thinkers still practice cannot be underestimated, end and tap its full potential for con- go so far as to suggest that this doc- as it serves to confirm our confidence ferring peace and higher wisdom, it trine be scrapped as “unscientific,” in the liberating efficacy of the Bud- is necessary for the motivation of another opinion has been gaining dhist path. However, to downplay our practice to mature beyond that ground to the effect that whether or the doctrine of rebirth and explain which originally induced us to enter not rebirth itself is a fact, the doc- the entire import of the Dhamma as the path. Our underlying motivation trine of rebirth has no essential bear- the amelioration of mental suffering must grow towards those essential ings on the practice of Dhamma and through enhanced self-awareness truths disclosed to us by the Bud- thence no claim to an assured place is to deprive the Dhamma of those dha and, encompassing those truths, in Buddhist teachings. The Dhamma, wider perspectives from which it must use them to nourish own capac- it is said, is concerned solely with the derives its full breadth and profun- ity to lead us towards the realisation here and now, with helping us to re- dity. By doing so one seriously risks of the goal. solve our personal hang-ups through reducing it in the end to little more increased self-awareness and inner than a sophisticated ancient system Our motivation acquires the req- honesty. All the rest of Buddhism we of humanistic psychotherapy. uisite maturity by the cultivation can now let go as the religious trap- of right view, the first factor of the pings of an ancient culture utterly The Buddha himself has clearly indi- , which as ex- inappropriate for the Dhamma of our cated that the root problem of human plained by the Buddha includes an technological age. existence is not simply the fact that understanding of the principles of we are vulnerable to sorrow, grief kamma and rebirth as fundamen- If we suspend our own predilections and fear, but that we tie ourselves tal to the structure of our existence. for the moment and instead go di- through our egoistic clinging to a Though contemplating the moment rectly to our sources, we come upon constantly self-regenerating pattern is the key to the development of in- the indisputable fact that the Buddha of birth, ageing, sickness and death sight meditation, it would be an erro- himself taught rebirth and taught within which we undergo the more neous extreme to hold that the prac- it as a basic tenet of his teaching. specific forms of mental affliction. tice of Dhamma consists wholly in Viewed in their totality, the Bud- He has also shown that the primary maintaining mindfulness of the pre- dha’s discourses show us that, far danger in the defilements is their sent. The Buddhist path stresses the from being a mere concession to causal role in sustaining the round role of wisdom as the instrument of the outlook prevalent in his time or of rebirths. As long as they remain deliverance, and wisdom must com- an Asiatic cultural contrivance, the unabandoned in the deep strata of prise not only a penetration of the doctrine of rebirth has tremendous the mind, they drag us through the moment in its vertical depths, but a implications for the entire course of round of becoming in which we shed comprehension of the past and future Dhamma practice, affecting both the a flood of tears “greater than the wa- horizons within which our present aim with which the practice is taken ters of the ocean.” When these points existence unfolds. To take full cogni- up and the motivation with which are carefully considered, we then see sance of the principle of rebirth will it is followed through to comple- that the practice of Dhamma does not give us that panoramic perspective tion. The aim of the Buddhist path aim at providing us with a comfort- from which we can survey our lives is liberation from suffering, and the able reconciliation with our present in their broader context and total net- Buddha makes it abundantly clear personalities and our situation in the work of relationships. This will spur that the suffering from which lib- world, but at initiating a far-reaching us on in our own pursuit of the path eration is needed is the suffering of inner transformation which will is- and will reveal the profound signifi- bondage to saṃsāra, the round of re- sue in our deliverance from the cycle cance of the goal towards which our peated birth and death. To be sure, of worldly existence in its entirety. practice points, the end of the cycle the Dhamma does have an aspect of rebirths as mind’s final liberation which is directly visible and person- Admittedly, for most of us the prima- from suffering. (BPS Newsletter, No. 6 1987) ally verifiable. By direct inspection ry motivation for entering upon the

2 3 BACK TO BASICS Purification by Knowledge and Vision (Ñanadassana-visuddhi)

ith the completion of Knowledge of Equanimity person enters the deliverance of mind (Cetovimutti). Wabout Formations, six stages of purification are complete. Purification by Knowledge and Vision, the The Bhikkhu, in whom all cankers are destroyed extin- seventh and final stage, comes next. This purification guishes as a brightly burning ball of iron and appers. consists of the knowledge of the four supramundane Nothing else can said about him. paths. Sotapatti - the path of stream entry; - the path of once-return; Anagami - the path of non-return; Again, the person realizes the Purification of Insight Arahant - the path of Arahantship. This path is called Vision regarding the Way (Patipadañanadassanavisud- Ñanadassanavisuddhi. Sotapatti is the first step in fulfill- dhi) and the Purification of Insight Vision (Ñanadassan- ing the purification of intellect. The person who achieves avisuddhi). Purification by knowledge and vision prop- Sotapatti meaning one who is in direct confrontation to erly consists in knowledge of the four paths, that is to the ultimate goal, does not have attachment to aggregates say, the path of Stream Entry, the path of Once return, the (Sankharas). The person has entirely abandoned the pride path of Non return, and the path of Arahantship. that says, "I am" or "mine", which is called Personality Having attained this stage of purity, he or she realizes belief Sakkayaditthi; the sceptical doubt which is called completely the nine Insight knowledges. Vicikiccha, and attachment or clinging to mere rule and These are: ritual, which is called Silabbataparamasa. That person is 1) Knowledge with regard to the arising and passing now a Noble Being (Ariya). away of conditioned things, (Udayabhayañana) 2) Knowledge with regard to the dissolution of things, "Sotapatti is a condition nobler than being the ruler of the (Bhangañana) whole earth or reaching heaven or even having to rule 3) Knowledge of dissolving things as fearful (Bhaya- the whole world. ( 178)" As a result, the ñana) person’s wandering in Samsara is limited to seven births. 4) Knowledge of fearful things as baneful,(Adihavañana) At the second step, the person enters Sakadagami and has 5) Knowledge of baneful things as disgusting (Nibbid- only one more life on earth. The person becomes nearly hañana) free from sensuous craving (Kamaraga) and resentment 6)Knowledge as regards the wise to escape from there (Patigha) and will only be born once more. Anagami (Muncitukamyatañana) means non-returner to this world. This is the third step 7) Knowledge of reflecting contemplation (Patisankha- to the Purification of intellect. Here the person completes ñana) the destruction of sensuous craving (Kamaraga) and re- 8) Knowledge of equanimity towards conditioned things sentment (Patigha), which means she or he will not be (Sankhararupekkhañana) born again in the human world. 9) Knowledge of adaptation (Anulomañana) These are collectively termed Purity of Vision in Discerning the There is only one more step to complete the purification Method, the sixth member of the path of purity. By Pu- of intellect. It is Arahant noble one or noble person. This rity of Vision Discerning the method is meant these nine person destroys craving for fine material existence (Ru- kinds of knowledge. paraga) craving for immaterial existence (Aruparaga) conceit (Mana) restlessness (uddhacca) and ignorance To attain peace, he or she “contemplates the truth that (Avijja) and will not be born anywhere again. The per- all conditioned things are transient (Aniccata), subject son has ended the wheel of rebirth, has completed living to suffering (Dukkhata), and devoid of an immortal soul a holy life (Vusitam Brahmacariyam), done what had to (Anatata)”. Having realised these three characteristics, be done (Naparam Ittatthayati), laid down the burden of he or she discerns the real nature of life and cultivates aggregates (Ohitabharo) and come to greatness (Anup- the purity of knowledge with regard to the Path and Non- pattasadattho). Purification is complete. Path.

The Arahant will not be back in the round of births as he or she has no more mental phenomena (Manosahkhara). CLASSES FOR THE YEAR 2019 Such a person is compared to an extinguished wick of a INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHISM lamp. “O Bhikkus, a lamp burns when oil is in it and a 8 meetings starting: wick is provided. When the oil is over and the wick too Monday 3rd June 2019, is no more, and if no more oil and no more wicks are 7.00pm provided the light extinguishers.” In the same way, one Tutor: Julian Wall in whom all cankers are destroyed, extinguishes, as no Venue: London Buddhist Vihara more mental phenomena are fed. This knowledge and vi- Fees : Free (donations are welcome) sion (Ñanadassana) appeared in meditator, as he or she How to join: Enrol at the class on first day of attendance. become Enlightened. With that knowledge and vision the

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Vesak Celebrations - 2018

On the 26th and 27th May 2018 celebrations were held at the Vihara. On 26st May, Children's Vesak Day, over 150 children observed . On 27nd May, the pro- gramme started with hoisting the by Mr. Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, the Acting High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in the UK and lighting the oil lamp by representatives of the Vihara Management Committee. The guest speaker was Prof. Chandra Wickremasing- ha, World Renown scholar on Astronomy, Former Professor of Mathematics at the Univer- sity of Wales,Cardiff. His topic was "Buddhism and the Cosmos: Extending the bounds of human sympathy". Ven. Pannawansa and Ven. Seelawimala Nayaka Thera gave sermons and Mr. Aruna Gamage, Phd candidate in Buddhism, SOAS Univesity Londona gave a talk on "Ultimate Truth hidden in indirect teaching in Tripitaka". Ven. Kassapa conducted the meditation session and Ven. Bandula gave a sermom in Sinhalas. At the end, the parents of the Dhamma School presented a programme of devotional songs. (Photo by Tissa Madawela)

Founder's Day at the London Buddhist Vihara - 2018

To mark both 154th birthday of Anagari- ka Dharmapala, founder of the London Interfaith week event at the LBV Buddhist Vihara and the 92nd anniver- sary of the London Buddhist Vihara, a special religious programme was held at the Vihara on 15 & 16 September 2018.

This year the Dharmapala memorial lec- ture was delivered by Prof. Peter Harvey, Professor Emeritus of at the University of Sunderland. A Bo- dhi Puja was held in the early evening which was followed by Chanting As part of the UK’s Inter Faith Week, from 7.30 p.m. till midnight by members London Buddhist Vihara hosted an In- of the Sangha from many Sri Lankan ter Faith event on 10 November 2018 at Buddhist temples in the UK. On the fol- which representatives of several religious lowing morning, Dana was offered to the communities gathered together to reflect Sangha and the merits were transferred on the theme of Peace and Reconciliation to Anagarika Dharmapala and all those in Society. who have helped in the LBV’s develop- ment . (Photos by Tissa Madawela) London Buddhist Vihara is a founder member of the Inter Faith Network. The IFN’s Executive Director, Dr Harriet Crabtree, was the keynote speaker.

4 5 Rahula Dhamma Day - 2018

Annual Sunday Dhamma School prize giving and Variey Show 2018 (Rahula Dhamma Day Programme) was held at the Vihara on 26th March 2018. The Chief Guest was Mrs. Amari Wijewardena, H. E High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in the UK. Mindfulness Seminar - 2018

A seminar on mindfulness was held at the Vihara on Saturday 20th October 2018. This seminar was organised by British Maha Bodhi So- ciety in association with the London Buddhist Vihara. Most Ven. Bo- goda Seelawimala, Head of the Vihara delivered the opening address to inaugurate the seminar and Ven. Bandula introduced the speakers. Ven. Amaro, Abbot of Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, Ven. Ko- vida from Canada, Dr. Desmond Biddulph, Chairman of the Buddhist Society and Dr. Geoffrey Hunt, Professor of Philosophy at St Mary’s University College, Twickenham contributed to the seminar. Discus- sion was moderated by Bhante Pannawamsa. Ven. Kassapa delivered the Vote of Thanks. Kathina Celebrations - 2018 The Kathina Ceremony was held at the London Buddhist Vihara on Sunday, 3rd November 2018, attended by many hundreds of devotees.

The Kathina ceremony was sponsored by several devotee families with their friends. (Photos by Tissa Madawela)

Sangamitta Day Celebrations - 2018

The Day Celebrations was held at the Vihara on 23rd December 2018. Ajahn Bodhipala and Sister Khemeka, attended the event. Dr Upali Abeysiri, Dr Sumana Perera and Resident Monks, contributed to the programme. The Sangham- itta Day Programme was sponsored by PPA of St Paul’s Girls’ School Milagiriya.

New Year Blessings - 2019 A New Year Blessings ceremony was held at the Vihara on 1st January 2019. A large gathering including H. E. High commision of Sri Lanka Manisha Gunasekara attended this event.

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London Buddhist Vihara and Sri Lanka High Commission host scholarly forum on “The Significance of the Tripitaka as a World Heritage” - 2019

The Sri Lanka High Commission in London in association with the London Buddhist Vihara hosted a scholarly forum on “The Significance of the Tripitaka as a World Heritage” on 16 March 2019 at the London Buddhist Vihara.

In his opening address, Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of London Buddhist Vihara & Chief Sangha Nayake of Great Britain recalled the role played by the London Buddhist Vihara, as the oldest Buddhist temple in the western hemisphere, in the propagation of the teaching of Lord Buddha in the western world. The Venerable Thero commended the Government of Sri Lanka for the initiative to declare the Tripitaka as a national heritage and also stated that the initiative to hold this scholarly forum in London was timely. A message was read out by Ven. Tawalama Bandula on behalf of the Anagarika Dharmapala Trust.

In her welcome address, Her Excellency Manisha Gunasekera outlined the intention of the Government, to both preserve the texts of the Tripitaka and to propagate the same as a heritage of all human kind. In this regard, she outlined the initiative by the Government to declare the Tripitaka as a national heritage and inscribe the same in the UNESCO World Register.

The highlight of the event was a panel discussion with four eminent experts on the subject. Prof. Rupert Gethin, President, Pali Text Society & Professor of Buddhist Studies, Department of Religion and Theology, University of Bristol spoke on the topic “The Pali Tipiṭaka: its significance as a source for the study of Buddhism.” Dr. Elizabeth Harris, Department of Theology & Religion, University of Birmingham spoke on the topic “The Tipiṭaka as part of the world’s heritage of spiritual resources: a personal response.” Prof. Ven. Deegalle Mahinda Thero, Professor in Study of Religion, Philosophies and Ethics, College of Liberal Arts, Bath Spa University spoke on the topic “Sri Lanka’s preoccupations with the Tripitaka: Ancient and Modern Contributions to the preservation and understanding of Buddhavacana, the word of the Buddha.” Dr. Martin Seeger, Associate Professor of Thai Studies, School of Languages, Cultures and Societies, University of Leeds spoke on the topic “Influence of the Pali Tipiṭaka Canon on Buddhist Traditions in South East ”. Ven. Dedunupitiye Upananda Thero of the London Buddhist Vihara moderated the scholarly forum.

The presentations by the Panellists were followed by a Q & A session which drew an enthusiastic response from the attendees who numbered over a hundred. The attendees included the Venerable Maha Sangha from Sri Lankan Buddhist Temples in the UK and other eminent experts such as Dr. Desmond Biddulph, President of the Buddhist Society in London and Ms. Arani Ilankuberan, Curator of the South Indian Collection at the British Library.

His Excellency Pisanu Suvanajata, Ambassador of Thailand in the UK, His Excellency Kyaw Zwar Minn, Ambassador of Myanmar in the UK, and His Ex- cellency Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, High Commissioner of Pakistan in the UK graced the occasion and spoke on the significance of the Tripitaka from the perspective of their respective countries. Diplomatic representatives of Bangladesh and Afghanistan in London were also present at the event. The vote of thanks was delivered by Deputy High Commissioner Sugeeshwara Gunaratna.

6 7 Serve To Be Perfect — Be Perfect To Serve by Ven. Piyadassi Maha Thera (Sri Lanka)

eligion (by religion a way of life are robes, food, a lodging and medi- extent that we are morally and men- Ris meant) cannot exist without cine. These are the bare necessities tally strong and confident, so can we society. One may say that religion is without which no human being can help others. something personal and individual. live. Basically, they are also the fun- But society consists of individuals. damental needs of a layman. Altruism, as a principle of action, is based on our character and mental A true religion should function not Although the Buddha did not at- development. One must train, must only for the spiritual or mental de- tach much importance to material guard oneself to be of service to oth- velopment of mankind, but also for progress in the modern sense nor to ers. A person may be large-hearted, material progress. Man cannot live mundane welfare, he did not entirely sociable and ready to succour others, on thoughts alone, however whole- ignore it, because it is the basis for but if his private life is questionable, some they may be. Before he directs man’s mental or spiritual progress as and leads to no good, from the stand- his thoughts towards mental devel- pointed out above. The Buddha was point of the Buddha, he neglects opment, he should have economic very outspoken with regard to cer- himself very badly, and really cannot security. The Buddha is emphatic on tain aspects of material conditions serve others; he is no real helper of this point. and social welfare. So it is not quite society. correct to say that Buddhism is in- The Buddha did not all the time con- terested only in lofty ideals and that Goodwill fine himself to a cell, but wandered it ignores the social and economic In the Sigala sutta, the discourse to from town to town and village to vil- welfare of people. As his discourses the young man named Sigala, the lage, through the highways and by- clearly indicate, the Buddha looked Buddha’s doctrine of love and good- ways of India. He moved more with at life as a whole, in all its social, will between man and man is set the commoner than with the aristo- economic and political aspects. forth as domestic and social ethics. crat. Kings and princes came to him The sixty one duties enumerated in for guidance and instruction, but the Principles this discourse speak in no uncertain Master went to the poor, lowly and The code of conduct set forth by the terms of the moral obligations and lost, to help them. He knew the peo- Buddha is no mere negative prohibi- social service of every individual in ple from the lowliest walks of life to tion but an affirmation of doing good society. These are reciprocal duties the highest and was well aware of — a career paved with good inten- to be performed by parents, teachers, the political, social and economic tions for the welfare and happiness husbands, wives, children, friends, conditions of India during his time. of all mankind. These moral princi- relatives, neighbours, servants, That being so, he did not restrict his ples aim at making society secure by workers, employees and religious sermons and discussions to matters promoting unity, harmony and right men. of high philosophy and advanced relations among people. psychology. It is stated categorically that the king No man can live in isolation; we are should rule righteously and not un- Compassionate Teacher dependent upon one another. We righteously. Never resting on his As a practical teacher of infinite must learn to live together in con- laurels, the king or ruler is expected compassion and understanding he cord and amity, without quarrels, to be kind and dutiful to his subjects was mindful of the social and eco- in harmony and unison, regarding like a benevolent father to his chil- nomic well-being of the masses and others with gentle looks of loving- dren. In order to be just, honest and always wished, by his advice, to al- kindness instead of the fierce glare upright to all without partially or leviate the misery of people, and see of unfriendliness, and bring togeth- favouritism the ruler is expected to that they lived without too much er those at variance and encourage avoid the four wrong ways of treat- unhappiness. It is true that real hap- those already in union. ing people (agati); that is, with de- piness is derived from a life of pu- sire, anger, fear and delusion. In this rity and peace; but it is obvious that Knowing that true social service respect, Asoka the Great of India, without a certain degree of material could bring about such wholesome may be regarded as one of the most and economic security no moral and results, the Buddha instructed and just, wise and benevolent rulers of spiritual progress can be achieved. encouraged people to be of help to all time. This is shown by his edicts: themselves and to others. In Bud- So far as a monk is concerned, there dhism, to protect oneself is not ego- “All men are my children.” are four requisites for progress on ism, not selfish security, but self- the path to purity and freedom. They discipline and self-training. To the

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“Just as I want my own children to their basis, as their matrix. Compas- enjoy all prosperity and happiness in sion is surely not a flabby state of AN this life and the next, so I want the mind. It is a strong enduring thing. same for all men. When a person is in distress, it is the “The world should be comforted by truly compassionate man’s heart that A - Z me. From trembles. OF BUDDHISM me the world should receive happi- ness and not sorrow. Through love, one adds to the fund KAMMA-BHAVA – Karma-pro- “There is no duty higher than to of human happiness, one makes the cess. The karmically active side of promote the happiness of the whole world brighter, nobler and purer and existence, Kammabhava means the world. prepares it for the good life better kamma that leads to rebirth. The “Work I must for the good of the than in any other way. If one has de- Buddha describes it as the puññabhi, whole world.” veloped a love that is truly great, rid apuñnñbhi and anenjabhi sankharas of the desire to hold and to possess, that lead to the lower sensual world Asoka endeavoured to educate the that strong clean love which is un- or the higher material and immate- people not by spreading the deeper tarnished with lust of any kind, that rial worlds. He also identifies kam- philosophy of Buddhism but by love which does not expect material mabhava with all kammas that give spreading the ethical and social as- advantage and profit from the act of rise to new existence. pects of it. He caused such teaching loving, that love which is firm but to be engraved on rock, and they be- not grasping, unshakable but not tied KAMMAÑÑATA: Adaptability came sermons on stones, not meta- down, gentle and settled, hard and ‘Adaptability’, i.e. of corporeality phorically but actually. penetrating as a diamond but un- (rupassa), mental factors (kaya), and hurting, helpful but not interfering, of consciousness (citta). If we carefully study the history of cool, invigorating, giving more than Sri Lanka we find that those rulers taking, not proud but dignified, not Kammaññata may be of 3 kinds: of who were aware of the admonitions sloppy yet soft, the love that leads corporeality (rupassa kammannata), of the Buddha, endeavoured to lead a one to the heights of clean achieve- of mental factors (kaya-kammañña- righteous life and guided the people ment, then in such a one there can ta), and of consciousness (citta-kam- both morally and economically. be no ill will at all, and he is the true maññata). social worker in the eminent sense of All other social service, our pro- the term. KAMMANTA – Action, work, do- gress, economic or otherwise, should ing be just and righteous, not devoid of So serve to be perfect. Be perfect It means "volitional action": things Dharma, law or truth, and not at the to serve! BPS Newsletter No. 52, 2004 we choose to do, whether these cost of moral and spiritual values. choices are made consciously or BE GOOD YOURSELF FIRST subconsciously. There are two type The Heart of Buddhism Let one first establish oneself in what is proper, of actions Samma Kammanta and As the Buddha so clearly pointed and then intruct others. Such a wise person will miccha kammanta, right action and out, karuṇa (love and compassion) is not be blamed by others. (Dh.158) wrong action. Samma Kammanta is the virtue that urges man to engage in the fourth of the Eightfold Path; re- all social work, to work for the good spect for life, property and personal of others. If you remove karuṇa from OBITUARY relationship, so as to purify one’s the teachings of the Buddha, you re- mind and body. move the heart of Buddhism; for all With heavy hearts and deep sorrow virtues, all goodness and righteous- we announce the passing away of the Right Action relates to seeing how ness have love and compassion as following devotees:- what we do is beneficial or harm- Mr Don Chandrasena Gunasekera ful to ourselves and others. This in- *17th Annual Blood Mr Percy Jayawardena volves developing skill in the way Mrs Florrie de Alwis we act in the world. Instead of think- Donation* Mrs. Dotee Dharmwardena ing in a clear-cut manner, that we at Mr Kapila Gunatilaka Mrs Edith Jayakody already know what is the right thing The London Buddhist Mrs QT Dissanayake to do and what is the wrong thing to Vihara Mr Daya Mendis do, it is important to look closely at Mr Delson Gnanapala Dr B. T. Batuwitage the way we act. We should not sim- Sunday 02 June 2019 Mr Padman Algama ply rely on pre-established rules or Mr. Reggy Wimalasundara social norms; instead we should see 106 Volunteers donated blood. Mr Eardley Fernando how we, as individuals act in the Dr. P. Ranmuthu Thank you all. world and what the effects of our May they all attain actions are upon ourselves, the envi- the bliss of Nibbana! Save a life - give blood ronment and other people.

8 9 22 Meditation Class by Dr Sumana Perera. VIHARA ACTIVITIES - 2018-2019 22 Dhammasavana Sinhala Sermon by Ven.Weligepola Gnanasiha, Lecturer Buddhist –Pali, University Colombo. VS = Ven. Seelawimala. VB = Ven. Bandula. VK = Ven. Kassapa 25 VP conducted a meditation session at the Buddhist VP= Ven. Pannavansa programme organised by the Sunday School Children. Society and joined a retreat in Andover 1 VP taught Meditation for working people, at Trinity 28 VS and VP participated in a Buddhist-Christian May 2018 Café, Dialogue at the Buddhist Society. 2 VS met UNO Secretary General António Guterres at 4 VS attended AGM of the Interfaith Network in Derby 29 Monthly Retreat by Bhante Kovida the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. 5 VS participated in the service celebrating the 70th An- 29 VK attended a Dhamma Discussion at Chithurst 4 Lester James Peiris Memorial Service – Memorial talk niversary of our National Health Service, at Westminster Monastery by Mrs Punya Heendeniya Abbey 5 Monthly English Dhamma talk given by Great Britain 6 VB & VK attended the funeral service for Kapila Gunati- October 2018 Kassapa Thera laka at Hanworth Crematorium 4 VP attended Devali Celebration at the Ministry of 5 VB conducted funeral service for Mr Chandrasena 7 Monthly English Dhamma Talk by Garry Born. Defence. Gunasekera at New Southgate Crematorium 8 OM DAY - annual event of Indian religions. Hindu, Bud- 6 Monthly English Dhamma talk by Bhante Kovida from 8 VS attended Interfaith Network Meeting at National dhist, Sikh and Jain, and their contribution towards World Canada on ‘The qualities of the Buddha and Mental Council Voluntary Organisation Peace. Buddhist talk was given by VS. Defilements.’ 9 VP gave a talk at the Harrow Boys School 10-25 VS on leave in Sri Lanka. Meeting with Chairman 11 VS attended the 50th anniversary of St George’s 10 VB conducted funeral service for Mr Percy Jaya- and trustees of ADT Chapel at Heathrow Airport. wardena at West Herts Crematorium. 14 VB and Ven Wathawana Sirisumana attended the 11 VP attended the Ministry of Defence for a monthly 10 VK gave a talk at Wendell Park Primary School annual Pirith Chanting Ceremony at Thames Buddhist programme. 10 All the resident Monks attended the Sri Lankan High Vihara. 13 VS attended the British Sri Lanka Association Annual Commission Vesak celebrations 14 Fund raising event - organised by the Coordinators Award Ceremony at Lord’s Cricket Ground. 10 VP gave a talk at the Burmese Vihara, East Ham of the LBV. 16 VS attended the Theravada Buddhist Sangha UK 12 Meditation Class by Dr Sumana Perera 16 VP attended the ‘British Intelligence’ monthly Mindful- meeting at Oxford Buddhist Vihara. 15 VS attended the Chaplaincy service meeting at ness Session. 20 Seminar on Mindfulness with the launching ceremony Heathrow Airport. 17 VB conducted a funeral service for Mrs Edith Jaya- of the British UK. Speakers were 17 VK gave a talk to a group of children from Orchard kody at Hendon Crematorium. Ajahn Amaro, Dr Geoffrey Hunt, Dr Desmond Biddulph School 20 VP - Mindfulness Evening at LBV. and Ven. Kovida. 17 VP gave a talk at the UN Youth Human Rights Forum 21 Meditation Class by Dr Sumana Perera 27 VS/VB/VK attended Kathina Ceremony at the Sama- 19 Dhammasavana Sinhala sermon by VK 28 VS conducted Monthly Retreat dhi Meditation Centre, Edmonton. 19 VS conducted the Buddha Day (Vesak) programme at 29 Esala Full Moon Day Programme. All monks contrib- 27 VB and VK attended the Kathina Ceremony at Lech- the Buddhist Society uted and Dr Upali Abesiri and Dr Sudhthsu Ubeysiri gave worth Buddhist Vihara. 19 VP participated the Vesak Celebration at the Buddhist talks. At the end of the day Dayakas invited the Resident 28 VS and VK attended the Kathina Ceremonies at Sam- Society. Monks, to observe the Rain Retreat bodhi Vihara, Plaistow and East Ham Vihara. 22 VS attended Founders Day celebration at the Gurud- 30 VP - Awestruck Biofilia Conference Mindfulness 28 VB and VP attended the Kathina Ceremony at wara in Hanworth, Hounslow. Introduction. Thames Buddhist Vihara 22 VP gave a talk at the Thames Buddhist Vihara 31 VP - Ministry of Defence Mindfulness Session. 30 VB attended the Kathina Ceremony in a Buddhist 24 VK gave a talk at Burkington Danes school 26 Buddhist Forum. This is a special programme for the Vihara, Rome. 26 Children Vesak Programme conducted by VB Vassana Period. The Reflection on Paticcasamuppada, 26 VS conducted the funeral service for Mrs Florrie de with a Question and Answer session. VS/VB/VK all November 2018 Alwis at Putney Vale Cemetery. participated. VS conducted the Programme. 2 VK attended a ceremony at East Ham Buddhist Vihara. 26 Monthly Retreat 3 VS attended the Kathina Ceremony at Centre of 27 Vesak Day Programme: Acting High Commissioner Mr August 2018 Mindfulness Hendon. Sugeeswara Gunaratana hoisted the Buddhist Flag. All 3 VP conducted Mindfulness Evening 4 VB in the morning attended Kathina ceremony at the resident Monks contributed to the programme. The 8 VS conducted the Funeral service for Mr Harischandra Letchworth Dhamma Niketanaya. Keynote Speech was given by Prof. Chandra Wickremas- Kodagoda at Chiltern Crematorium, Amersham. 4 LBV Annual Katina Ceremony - Seven families spon- inghe. At the end there was a Bhakti Gee programme by 8 VS attended the Theravada Buddhist Sangha UK meet- sored the Kathina ceremony. Sponsors have renovated Sunday Dhamma School Parents and teachers. ing at the Oxford Buddhist Vihara. the LBV kitchen. 10 VP conducted a Mindfulness Evening at the LBV. 7 VS & VP attended an Interfaith Ceremony at the Bud- June 2018 13 Chiswick Book Festival launched at the LBV. Attend- dhist Society. 2 VS & VK attended chanting ceremony at Sambodhi ance and talks by Fr Kevin Morris, and Ven Seelawimala. 7 VP attended Red Cross, Moor Street HQ for a Humani- Viharaya, Upton Park Keynote Speech given by Mr Roger Mc Gough, poet and tarian Meeting. 2 Monthly Dhamma talk given by the most Ven. U. Dham- broadcaster. 8 VP gave a talk at Churchmead School, Windsor. mjeewa Thera 14 VB conducted a funeral service for Mrs QT Dissanay- 9 VP gave a talk at London Philanthropy Club. 2 A special retreat conducted by Ven. Udaeriyama ake at Ruislip Crematorium. 10 VK gave a talk at the Interfaith Ceremony at LBV. Dhammajeewa 14-19 VS stayed at Amarawathi Monastary for a retreat. 10 Interfaith Event Representatives of Buddhist, Chris- 3 Annual Blood Donation Day coordinated by Mr Athula 15 154th Anniversary of Anagarika Dharmapala, the tian, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim all gave talks on ‘Peace and Abeysekara. 98 people donated blood. founder of LBV, celebrated. The memorial lecture was Reconciliation’. Director of Interfaith Network, Dr Harriet 5 VK and Gamini Amarasekara participated in the Sum- delivered by Dr Peter Harvey. There were 28 monks from Crabtree, gave the keynote speech. Resident Monks and mer Garden Party at Buckingham Palace the Viharas in the UK attending for the chanting cer- Ven. Nagase contributed by chanting for peace. 9 Dhammasavana Sinhala sermon by Ven. Wathavana emony and on the following morning Dana was offered 11 VS attended the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at Sirisumana. to the monks and the transference of to Anagarika the Cenotaph 10 Green Day – The Vihara, with St Michael’s and All An- Dharmapala and Mary Foster was performed 11 VB attended Westminster Abbey for the Memorial gels Church and the Bedford Park Society, came together 12-16 VK visited the Netherlands and Italy for a summer Service to mark 100 years since the end of the 1st World to be part of this local Community Celebration. holiday. War. 11 Resident monks had a meeting with, VMC and Mr 21 VB conducted a funeral service for Mr Delson Gnana- 11 VP meeting with Eton College Art Department on Sinha Ratnatunga, trustee of ADT. pala at Mortlake Crematorium. Mindfulness discussion. 16 VB & VK attended the Anniversary Chanting Cer- 25-31 VP attended the Summer School Retreat, organ- 11 VS left for Penang Malaysia for the 10th Conference emony at Jethavana Vihara, Birmingham. ised by The Buddhist Society. of World Buddhist Sangha 16 VS attended the Founder’s Day Ceremony at the 28 VS conducted a funeral service for Mr.Tom My 16 VS returned from Penang. Peace , Battersea Park. Kaewnet at the Ruislip Crematorium. 17 VB/VP/VK attended the Kathina Ceremony at Cam- 18 VS conducted a funeral Service for Mrs. Dotee 30 VK participated in a chanting ceremony at Lumbini bridge Buddhist Vihara. Dharmwardena at Acton Crematorium. Vihara, East Ham. 18 VS attended the Kathina Ceremony at Redbridge 19 VK gave a talk to a group of children from Selborne 30 Buddhist Forum - The Reflection on The Buddhist Buddhist Vihara. Primary School. Theory of evolution based on Aggannya Sutta, with a 21 VP took a class at the Buddhist Society. 20 VS attended a memorial event for the Aga Khan, Question and Answer session. VS/VB/VK/VP all partici- 21 VB attended a funeral service for Michiko Taniguchi at which took place at the Royal Albert Hall. pated. VB conducted the Programme. South Middlesex Crematorium. 23 VB attended a sermon and memorial service at 22 VS attended a Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate Lumbini Buddhist Vihara, East Ham. September 2018 the ‘Year of Engineering’ at Westminster Abbey. 24 YMBA Examination for Students of the Dhamma 8 Monthly English Dhamma Talk by Ven. Weligepola 23 VS attended the opening ceremony of a new vihara in School. Gnanasiha,Lecturer of Buddhist Pali University, Colombo. Milton Keynes. 30 Monthly Retreat by Ven. Kovida. Topic – Theory, Practice and Realization 24 Annual fund-raising dinner at the LBV organised by 13 VP – Meditation and talk at the Ministry of Defence. the teachers and parents of the Sunday Dhamma School. July 2018 17 VP - attended UCL Psychiatrists Society. Raised over £4400 for the Vihara. 1 Poson Celebration – Sunday Dhamma School 20 VS participated in the Nepalese National Day celebra- sponsored dana and at the end of the day Bhakti Gee tion at Nepalese Embassy, Kensington Palace Garden. Continued on page 11

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Continued from page 10 March 2019 at Ketumati Buddhist Vihara in Manchester. 24 VP attended a Jewish-British Association Mindfulness 2 Monthly English Dhamma Talk by Ven. Dedunupitiye 31 Annual Sunday Dhamma Price Giving Event at Green- event. Upananada ford Hall. Mr Sugeeswara Gunaratane, the Deputy High 27 VS attended an Interfaith Network meeting. 2 VK gave a talk to Richmond group. Commissioner of Sri Lanka was the chief Guest. 28 VP gave a talk at the Buddhist Society. 5 VK gave a talk to a group of children from Heathfield House school. April 2019 December 2018 6 VK gave a talk to a group of children from Strand on the 2 1st Death Anniversary Dana of Richard Jones 2 VS attended the 20th anniversary ceremony at the Green School. 2 VK gave a talk to a group of children from Isleworth Redbridge Buddhist Vihara, Ilford. 8 VS Attended to the International Women’s Day cer- Town Primary 4 VS attended an annual reception ceremony at Buck- emony at Buckingham Palace 4 VK gave a talk to a group of children from Isleworth ingham Palace. 9 Meditation Class by Dr Sumana Perera. Town Primary. 5 VS visited at Amaravathi Monastery. 11 VS Attended the annual Commonwealth Day at 6 Monthly meditation 8 Resident monks attended the funeral of Mr Daya Westminster Abbey. 6 VS attended Sri Lankan New Year celebrations organ- Mendis at Mortlake Crematorium 12 VK gave a talk to a group of children from Spring ised by Janahanda Foundation in the UK 13 VP left to SL. Grove Primary. 10 Meditation retreat conducted by Ven. Aluthgamgoda 15 VK conducted the special Puja to commemorate 13 VK gave a talk to a group of children from Strand on Gnanaweera. the 11th Death Anniversary of Ven. Dr Medagama the Green School. 13 Meditation class by Dr. Sumana Perera Vajiranana. 16 Tripitaka Forum . With the association of Sri Lanka 20 Dhammasavana Sinhala Sermon by Ven. Kamburuga- 22 VS conducted a funeral service for Dr Batuwitage at High Commission organised this event at the LBV. Sri muwe Mahanaga Guildford Crematorium. Lanka, Thailand,Pakistan,Myanmar and Bangladesh 21 Blessings and Memorial service for victims of bombing 23 Sanghamitta Day programme: Ajahn Bodhipala and Ambassadors had attended. Professor Rupet Gatting, in Sri Lanka Sister Khemeka, attended the event. Dr Upali Abeysiri Ven.Professor Deegalle Mahinda, Dr Elizebeth Harris, Dr 25 VS gave a talk to a group of children from Durston and Dr Sumana Perera and Resident Monks, contributed Martin Seeger gave talks. House School, to the programme. The Sanghamitta Day Programme 16 Dhammasavana Sinhalese Sermon by Ven. Dedun- 27 Monthly meditation retreat by VS was sponsored by PPA of St Paul’s Girls’ School upitiye Upananda Thera. 28 Resident Monks conducted Sunday service sponsored Milagiriya. 17 Mithra Wettamuny Memorial service combined with by PPA of Ananda Collage UK branch for the Victims of 28 VB returned to LBV after his vacation. Sunday Puja Srilanka Bombing. 19 VK gave a talk to a group of children from Worm halt 28 VS attended a religious service for the victims at St January 2019 Park Primary School Michael and Martin church, Hounslow. 1 New Year Blessing ceremony 27 VS attended Theravada Buddhist Sangha Meeting in 29 VS gave a talk in a remembarance meeting held at 5 VS attended the inauguration of a Kandyan dance festi- Birmingham. Lords for the victims of terror attacks in Sri Lanka. val of LBV Dhamma School Children at Kingsbury Vihara 26/29 VK gave a talk to two groups of children from 30 VS conducted a funeral service for Mr Tak Kueu Lee 5 VS attended the Annual Pirith Chanting ceremony at Isleworth Town Primary School at Mill Hill Cemetary. Redbridge Vihara 30 VS participated the Annual Pirith Chanting Ceremony 10 VS attended the Theravada Sangha Meeting at Oxford Vihara VISITORS TO THE VIHARA - 2018 & 2019 12 Meditation Class by Dr. Sumana Perera. 19 VS, VB & VK conducted the funeral Service for Mr Ven. Welivitiye Chandima, Dutugemunu Viharaya, Baddegama, Sri Lanka. Padman Algama at Putney Vale Crematorium Ven. P . Seewali, Sri Lanka 19 Dhammasavana Sinhala Sermon by VS Ven. Witharandeniye Nanda – Sri Lanka 24 VK gave two talks for two groups of students of Ven. Dedunupitiye Upananda Nayaka Thera - USA Greenside School 25 VS attended the Holocaust Memorial Ceremony of Ven. Gavaragiriye Pemaratana - Royal College, SriLanka Ealing Council at High School Ven. U Dhammagaru - LA Buddhist Vihara, USA. 25 Coordinators meeting Ven. Satimanta – Sweden 26 Monthly Retreat conducted by VS Ven. Kamburugamuwe Mahanaga - Vajiraramaya, Sri Lanka 27 VS attended the National Holocaust Memorial cer- Ven. Kalawane Mahanama - Maha Bodhi Centre, Chennai emony at Queen Elizabeth Conference Hall Westminster. Ven. Aluthgamgoda Gnanaweera - Sri Lanka February 2019 Ven. Kiripedde Gnanarathana - Anuradhapura 1 VS gave the keynote speech from the Buddhist point Ajahn Amaro, the head of Amarawathi Monastery and seven monks of view at Christian - Buddhist Dialogue at the Buddhist Ajahn Karuniko and seven Monks from Chithurst Monastery Society. The keynote address from the Christian point Ajahn Bodhipala and Sisiter Khemaka from Amaravathi Monastery. of view was given by Bishop David Walker, Bishop of Manchester. Fr Edward Barlow St Michael’s Church, Chiswick. 2 Monthly Dhamma Talk by Roy Sutherwood, the director Ms Manisha Gunasekara, New High Commissioner for SL of Jamyang Buddhist Centre Mrs Punya Heendeniya 2 VS gave a sermon at Redbridge Buddhist Vihara. Prof Chgandra Wickremasinghe. 4 VK attended the Interfaith Gathering at the Houses of Mr Roy Sutherwood, the Director of Jamyang Buddhist Centre Parliament. 4 VS represented the Buddhist Faith at the Sri Lankan Mr and Mrs Anuradha Wijeratna from SL. Independence Day ceremony at the High Commission Mr Roger McGough, poet and broadcaster 6 VS attended the funeral service for Mr. Reggy Dr Peter Harvey, Professor Emeritus of Buddhist Studies, University of Sunderland Wimalasundara at Ilford crematorium Dr Desmond Biddulph, Chairman of the Buddhist Society. 9 Meditation by Dr Sumana Perera. Dr. Harriet Crabtree, The Director of Interfaith Network. 16 Navam Poya full day programme. All the resi- Ajith Sing Sikh, Rep for Interfaith Event. dent monks and Dr Upali Abeysiri contributed to the Programme. The dana was provided by the Past Pupil Mr Mathew Offard, House of Commons. Association of Nalanda College. Mrs Kareema Marikkar, Mayor of Harrow. 16 Dhammasavana Sinhala sermon by VB Councillor Samia Chaudhary, Mayor of the London Borough of Hounslow. 16 VB & VK attended annual chanting ceremony at Sri Mrs Deepika Priyadarshani Musician Srilanka Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre Prof. Rupet Getting President of Pali Text Society 18 Ven. D. Upananda Thero started a ten-week course in Applied . Dr Desmond Bidulph Presidet Of Buddhist Society Victori. 19 VS and Ven. Upananda attended the funeral service HE Pisanu Suvanajata Ambassodor of Thailand for Mr Eardley Fernando at the South-West Middlesex HE Mohammad Nafees Zakaria High Commissioner of Pakistan. Crematorium. HE Kyaw Zwar Minn High Commissioner MYANMAR. 20 VS and VMC attended a reception at the High Com- mission held after the presentation of credentials to HM The Queen as the new High Commissioner. THE BUDDHA AND THE LOTUS 23 Monthly Retreat by VS and VK 25 VK gave a talk to a group of children from Resborne 'As the lotus is born in the water and grows up beneath the water, Primary School. Yet remains undefiled by the water, fragrant and beautiful, 26 VK gave a talk to a group of children from Orchard House School. just so the Buddha is born in the world, grows up and dwells in the world, But like the lotus unstained by water, He is not defiled by the world.'

10 11  2019 2019 LONDON BUDDHIST VIHARA Dharmapala Building (FULL MOON) CALENDAR OF EVENTS The Avenue POYA DAYS London W4 1UD Feb 16 Navam Full Moon Day Tel: 020 8995 9493 January  20 e-mail: February  19 March 31 Rahula Dhamma Day [email protected] [email protected] March  20 May 19 VESAK - Buddha Day website April  19 www.londonbuddhistvihara.org June 02 Blood donation Session May  18 SRI LANKA - Head office Anagarika Dharmapala Trust June  16 June 16 POSON 130 Pujya Hikkaduwe Sri July  16 Sumangala Nahimi Mawatha July 14 ESALA - Dhamma Day Colombo - 10 Sri Lanka August  14

AFFILIATED CENTRES: September  13 Sept. 14 FOUNDER’S DAY  INDIA - CALCUTTA October 13 Nov. 03 KATHINA Maha Bodhi Society of India November  12 4-A Bankim Chatterjee Street Kolkata - 700073, India December  11 Dec. 15 SANGHAMITTA DAY

BUDDHA GAYA Maha Bodhi Society, Buddha Gaya WEEKLY EVENTS Gaya, Bihar Sundays 1.45-3.00pm Children’s Dhamma Classes 3.30-4.15pm Children’s Sinhala Classes Maha Bodhi Society 5.00-6.00pm SUNDAY PUJA (Sermon and Pirith chanting) Mulagandhakuti Vihara Sarnath, Varanasi, UP Mondays 7.00-9.00pm Introduction to Buddhism (Eight-week course, repeated through the year) NEW DELHI Maha Bodhi Society Buddha Vihara, Tuesdays 5.30-6.30pm Pali Language Classs Mandir Marg, 7.00-8.30pm Advanced Buddhist Doctrine Class New Delhi - 110 001 Wednesdays 7.00-8.30pm Meditation: Instruction & Practice MADRAS Maha Bodhi Society Thursdays 7.00-9.00pm Theravada Buddhism 17 Kennet Lane Egmore, Madras - 8 Saturdays 1.30-8.00pm Monthly meditation retreat (Last Saturday of every month except August & December) SANCHI Chetiyagiri Vihara Maha Bodhi Society PUNYANUMODANA Sanchi, Bhopal - MP Ven. B. Seelawimala, Head of the Vihara, wishes to express his sincere BHUBANESHWAR gratitude to all Co-ordinators and supporters for their help in making the Buddha Vihara, Plot 4 Unit 9 Vihara's wide programme of activities a success. Bhubaneshwar, Orissa May you all be well and happy.

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