A sapling of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree is taken to Nashik
A sapling from the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree in Anuradhapura found its new home in Nashik, Maharashtra. This momentous event unfolded on the auspicious day of October 24th, near the Thrirashmi caves. The ceremonial planting of the sapling was graced by the venerable presence of representatives from both India and Sri Lanka. Venerable Bhanthe Sugath, embodying the spirit of India, and Damenda Porage, the esteemed founder of the Buddhist Brotherhood from Sri Lanka, orchestrated the proceedings, infusing the occasion with profound significance.
At the forefront of this historic journey was the Atamasthanadhipathi Most Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana, who played a pivotal role in transporting the sacred sapling to India. The collaborative efforts of representatives from both chapters were evident as Most Venerable Dr. Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Thero, Most Venerable Dr. Magampagama Assaji Thero, Most Venerable Kithalagama Hemasara Anu Nayaka Thero, Venerable Narampanawe Ananda Thero, and Venerable Handaganawe Wimaladhamma Thero graced the occasion with their presence.
In addition, the solemnity of the ceremony was heightened by the esteemed participation of Vidura Wickremenayake, the Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, and Damenda Porage, the President of the Buddhist Brotherhood.
In a momentous convergence of spirituality and diplomacy, the ceremonial planting of a sapling from the sacred Bodhi Tree in Anuradhapura witnessed the gracious presence of distinguished representatives from India. Among them were Bharathi Pawar, the Health Minister of Maharashtra state, along with two state ministers and a delegation of esteemed dignitaries, collectively contributing to the grandeur of the occasion.
Adding an international touch to the event, Venerable Ponchai Palawa Thero from Thailand participated. The gathering was further enriched by the spiritual presence of Buddhist monks hailing from diverse regions, including Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
The ceremonial planting, conducted amidst the veneration of thousands, is believed to signify a lasting spiritual enrichment for the people of India. This sacred Bodhi sapling, now firmly rooted in Indian soil, becomes a testament to the enduring spiritual bond between India and Sri Lanka. It is a profound expression of gratitude, echoing the historical journey of Sangamitta Therani, who brought the sacred Bo sapling to Sri Lanka.
This event, reminiscent of a previous meritorious act, serves as a reminder of the spiritual ties that bind the two nations. In a similar vein, Most Venerable Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Thero and the founder of the Buddhist Brotherhood, Damenda Porage, played pivotal roles in a previous historic occasion. This involved the transformation of the Kushinagar airport into an international airport, during which the sacred relics from Kapilawasthupura, housed at the Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi temple in Sri Lanka, were ceremoniously transported to India.
Pirith chanting ceremony at Pali and Sanskrit exchange center
In an atmosphere imbued with spiritual reverence, a Pirith chanting ceremony and almsgiving took place at the ongoing construction site of the Pali and Sanskrit Exchange Center on August 30th. The purpose of this meritorious gathering was two-fold: to bless the staff and seek divine blessings for the expeditious completion of the project. Led by Venerable Pulathisipura Dhammarathana Thero, Chief Incumbent of Heyyanthuduwa Nandarama Temple, five Buddhist monks presided over the ceremony. The event symbolized a collective plea for spiritual solace and divine favour, offering hope and unity to all involved in the noble endeavour.
The report on International Multi-Lingual Scholarly Seminar is presented to His Holiness the Dalai Lama
The International Multi-Lingual Scholarly Seminar, held in collaboration with the University of Kelaniya and the Buddhist Brotherhood to celebrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 88th birthday, culminated with the presentation of a comprehensive report at his palace in Leh, India. President of the Buddhist Brotherhood, Damenda Porage, presented the report, encapsulating research summaries and speeches. Most Venerable Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Thero represented the Buddhist Brotherhood.
© satipatthana magazine
