Buddha Purnima Day – 1
Sunday, April 29th, 2018
Rededicating themselves at Bhagawan’s Lotus Feet, re-pledging to follow the teachings of ‘Sai Buddha’, devotees from Region 4 & 5 of SSIO comprising of countries Srilanka, Nepal, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong commenced their 2-day Buddha Purnima celebrations this evening in Prasanthi Nilayam.
After the ceremonial lighting by the officials of SSIO from respective countries, traditional Buddhist chants by devotees from Thailand followed.
Mr Amar Karki, Co-ordinator for Buddha Purnima celebrations then delivered his welcome address, touching upon the theme of the celebrations ‘Dhamma – The Path Of Nirvana’, introducing twin speakers for the evening.
Dr. Art-Ong-Jumsai addressing first spoke of Gautam Buddha’s life, starting from the very beginning, as to how he evolved himself from a confined prince within palace boundaries to a great seeker, a great teacher, finally attaining Nirvana. Lord Buddha practised ‘Love All Serve All’ said Dr Jumsai, revealing how Bhagawan advised him in person to be a ‘Buddhist’, advising him to practise meditation.
When you meditate, knowledge increases, said Dr Jumsai explaining how he got the right answer with reference to a complex issue relating to the first space craft ever landed in Mars, wherein he was involved as a scientist. With meditation comes knowledge, understanding, wisdom and thus we will be able to Love All Serve All as directed by Bhagawan, concluded Dr Jumsai.
Prof. Sunanda Degamboda from Sri Lanka addressing next spoke of the eight-fold path preached by Buddha to attain Nirvana which is ‘within’. Mixing up the eight-fold path of Buddha with Bhagawan’s five human values, Prof. Degamboda elucidated on, intertwining inspiring anecdotes stressing on the importance of thinning down the thick ego to attain Nirvana, which is real Buddha Purnima.
Devotees from Sri Lanka offered a drama next entitled, Seri-Vanija, the story of one of the five hundred and fifty jatakas (previous births) of the Buddha, talking on the importance of following the right path to attain the highest goal of life. The bottom-line from the storyline was that those who live in Sathya, Dharma and Ahimsa will live in peace.
Balvikas children and young adults from Sri Lanka then offered a musical presentation entitled ‘Divine Melodies’. Bhajans next ended with Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan.
II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
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