-
Published: 30 November -0001
The Poson celebration commenced by observing sil (retreat) by devotees on Saturday,10th June at The Letchworth Buddhist Temple. The sil program was guided by the Chief Incumbent Ven. Dediyawala Wimala Thero., and Ven Sooriyawewa Kusala Thero., covering meditation, Dhamma sermons, Abhidhamma discussion, Buddha pooja and invoking blessings to all. The mid day Dhana (lunch) for maha sangha and sil observers was offered by Mr. and Mrs. Dhammika & Osadhi Eakanayake and friends. A large turnout of devotees observed sil.
In the afternoon on Sunday, 25thJune, 2017 the Poson Celebration was held at The Settlement Hall, Nevells Road, Letchworth Garden City with the guidance of Ven. Resident Monks. The day’s event began by observing the Pancha Seela (Five Precepts) conducted by the Chief Incumbent Most Ven. Dediyawala Wimala Thero.
The main feature of the day was the Gilampasa and Pirikara Pooja offered by the devotees to Atawisi Buddhas. Ven. Sooriyawewa Kusala Thero. administered the Gilapasa poojas to twenty-eight Buddhas, and Maha Sangha chanted stanzas and invoked blessings to all. The Gilampasa was sponsored by Dr. Srikantha and Mrs. Chandani Dias and family and friends. The children of the Dhamma school and the parents sang devotional songs (bhakti gee) with the guidance of Mr. Prasaj de Silva, followed by a video show of the historic Buddhist religious places in Sri Lanka.
The event ended with a free food stall (Dhansala) sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Kamal and Imalka Wijesuriya and family, Mr. and Mrs. Lal and Manori Perera and family and friends. Mr. Tharanga de Silva kindly donated funds for the hall hire.
There was a special sil program for children on Sunday, 18th June 2017 at The Letchworth Temple.
Large number of Sri Lankans living in The UK and the local residence attended all the events. The Maha Sangha, The BCCL management committee members and the organizers wish to extend their appreciation to all those who attended the events and offered their support for making the events a great success.