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Manila Bulletin devider Embassies at Work devider Sacred Relics from Sri Lanka and Vesak Day Commemoration

Sacred Relics from Sri Lanka and Vesak Day Commemoration

Published Jun 4, 2024 02:19 am
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Ambassador Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa of the Sri Lankan Embassy addresses the gathering.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Philippines in collaboration with the Universal Wisdom Foundation Inc. (UWFI) organized the “Exposition of the Sacred Relics from Sri Lanka and Vesak Day Commemoration” on May 25, 2024, at the Wisdom Park in New Manila, Quezon City. This is the first occasion in history that sacred relics have been brought from Sri Lanka to the Philippines.

The commemoration commenced with the bringing of the sacred relics at Wisdom Park, which the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Philippines Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa, and President of Wisdom Park Management Committee Harish Dilshan Ananda Athauda received, followed by a bodhi pooja, Buddha bathing, and circumambulation.

The placing of the sacred relics was solemnized by Ven. Sukkadhammo, and Ven. Ratthapalo, who represented the Theravada tradition, while Lama Damdul represented the Vajrayana tradition. Mahaya tradition was represented by Chief Abbot of Seng Guan Temple Ven. Fatu, Vice Secretary of Philippine Buddhism Fellowship Association Ven. Pu Xue, and venerable monks from Seng Guan Temple.

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Placing the Sacred Relics in the casket

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa, in his keynote message, emphasized that the commemoration of Vesak in Wisdom Park is an auspicious and historic occasion as this is the first time that sacred relics are brought from Sri Lanka to the Philippines, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the International Recognition of Vesak Day. Further, he also underscored the relevance of Buddhist teaching in addressing the issues of the current era.

Subsequently, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Palestine and former Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Philippines Nawalage Bennet Cooray provided a brief background of the sacred relics.

The program was also adorned by a Bhakti Gee performance (devotional songs dedicated to the Lord Buddha) by the officers and staff of the Sri Lankan Embassy and members of the Sri Lankan community in the Philippines, and a Philippine cultural show by Adamson University students.

The program concluded with the closing remarks by UWFI Founder Dr. Mariano Yupitun.

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Offering prayers to the Sacred Relics

More than 400 guests including officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, members of the Diplomatic Corp, Consular Corp and International Organizations in the Philippines, officials and members of the UWFI, venerable monks of the Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple and other Buddhist Temples in Philippines, officials and members of Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Philippines and other Buddhist Associations in Philippines, Buddhist devotees, member of the Sri Lankan community in the Philippines, media, and well-wishers of the Embassy attended the event.

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