Lankarama Buddhist temple in Schofields celebrates Vesak

By Manju Mittal

It was a  pleasure to to be part of  the Vesak celebrations at Lankarama Buddhist temple at Schofields on Sunday May 14, which featured several performances of songs, discourses, meditation including the Lankarama children’s choir. Organised by the temple committee members and Sri Lankan community in Sydney, Australia, people gathered in large numbers to enjoy the festive spirit.

Vesak is the most important festivals of the Buddhists all over the world. It is celebrated on the full moon day of May and is celebrated as the thrice blessed day depicting all the important events in the life of Lord Buddha, it is informally called the ”˜Buddha’s Birthday’ but it actually encompasses the birth, enlightenment and mahaparinirvana of the Buddha. This is a day of great religious and spiritual significance for the followers and practitioners of Buddha and his teachings as on this day they go to the Viharas, Temples and take part in the prayers and meditation and listen to discourses.

Colourful lanterns called Vesak Kuudu are hung along streets and in front of every home. They signify the light of the Buddha, Dharma and the Sangha. People decorate the Viharas and their homes giving a festive look on the occasion. Buddhists distribute food, medicines, fruits and nourishments to the patients in the hospitals, jails and juvenile homes. They make special effort to bring smile and happiness to the fortunate, the old and the infirm and the sick and the needy.

Consul General of Sri Lanka Mr. Lal Wickramathunge and Kevin Conolly MP, Member for Riverstone and monks were present on the occasion. Thousands of devotees chanted on the historic day for Sri Lankan community in Sydney. Hon. Kevin Conolly MP praised the festival as a multicultural joyous occasion and congratulated the organisers and said, “My best wishes to all my Sri Lanka- Australians friends on the Vesak festival and congratulations to the Sinhalese on a wonderful performance of traditional songs. Multiculturalism is all about respect and I show respect to the Sri Lankan Community, I have attended many Sri Lankan events in the past and I fully enjoy them.”

There were stalls selling authentic Sri Lankan food at very reasonable prices and people enjoyed food with friends and family. Vesak celebrates happy moments spent together creating strong bonds that are shared with family and friends.

Lankarama Vihara is a traditional Buddisht Temple established in Sydney that promotes Dhamma, the teaching of Buddha in Australia. Venerable Nayaka Pundit Meegahakumbure Dhammagavesi Thera is the Chief Incumbent of Sri Lanka Buddhist Vihara Lankarama Schofields and The Pradhana Sangha Nayaka ( Chief Prelate ) of the Malwatta Chapter of the Siamese sect in Australia.

Do visit Lankarama Vihara temple and get blessings of Buddha and experience Buddha’s presence, meditation and feel blessed. Temple timings and general information please visit the temple website:  www.lankarama.com.au

Lankarama temple is an excellent place for Sri Lankans and Buddha devotees in Sydney, we recommend  for all to visit during  Vesak celebrations and get Buddha’s blessings.

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