London (Asian Independent)- Vesak is one of the most significant festivals in the Buddhist calendar. It was on this day, 2566 years ago, that the Buddha was born. It was also the day when the Buddha attained enlightenment, and it was on the Vesak day, the Buddha in his eightieth year passed away. This day is also known as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Day. This day is celebrated by millions of Buddhists all over the world to reflect on his teaching of peace, compassion and loving-kindness.
On this auspicious occasion, an event was organized by the Federation of Ambedkarite and Buddhist Organisations, UK (FABO, UK) at the Ambedkar Museum. Sangha members from different traditions of Buddhism from a number of countries such as Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bangladesh, India and Europe and the representatives from the High Commissions of India, Thailand, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka graced the occasion. Students, academics, followers and admirers of Babasaheb Dr Ambedkar travelled from all over the country to participate.
Welcoming the eminent guests, C. Gautam, Joint Secretary of the FABO, UK mentioned that four years back they had met to offer Sangha Dana at this historical place, Ambedkar Museum where Dr Babasaheb lived 100 years ago.
Ven. Bhikkhu Dr. Kumud administered the Buddhist prayer and explained the significance of the Vesak Day. Members of the Federation and the diplomats offered food (Daana) to the reverend members of the Sangha. Addressing the audience the most Ven. Bhatsakorna Plyobhaso representing one of the most attractive Buddhist sites in Wimbledon spoke on the influence of the Buddha and his teachings on our lives. He invited devotees to visit the Budddhapadipa Temple.
Mrs. Urasa Mongkolnavin, Minister, Royal Thai Embassy, representing H.E. of Thailand offered to provide guidance and support for any work that anyone wants to undertake to spread Buddha’s teachings or to enhance any related activities.
Representing H.E. India, Mr. Jaspreet Singh Sukhija, First Secretary(Trade) expressed his excitement about representing India and its diversity of faith. He was overjoyed to attend the first-ever Sangha Daana in his life and assured full support in the future.
Dr Abdul Bhasit, Peace Ambassador eloquently and emotionally spoke about his close relationship like a family with the Federation. He paid glowing tribute to Babasaheb and spoke about the true meaning of the constitution of India. He termed Dr Babasaheb as a great champion of social equality, liberty and justice for all men, women and living beings.
Mr Bakshi Birdi gave the vote of thanks. He acknowledged the High Commission of India for providing the facility to organize the Buddha Day / Sangha Daana at Dr Ambedkar Museum London. He expressed deep appreciation for the participation by the most venerable members of the Sangha and the distinguished diplomats from Thailand, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. He also thanked all the devotees and the followers of Babasaheb who travelled from far and wide to attend the event, those who provided the delicious dishes and donated generously to make the event successful.
Sangha offered the blessings to the members and passed on the merits to the gathering. All the present audience enjoyed the meal. Bhante Bodhidatta, Secretary-General of Nalanda Buddhist University, Karnataka expressed his joy and felt that his journey is completed to Europe by visiting Dr Ambedkar Museum.
In the concluding session, Ven. Bhante Bodhidatta conducted a guided meditation for the attendees. It began with the recitation of Mettasutta by Shalaka Ahire, Bojjhanga Paritta by Suirjit Birdi followed by Ratana Sutta by Suman Chand. The meditation consisted of concentrating on 32 body parts to gain insight into the impermanence of the body. Ven. Bhante said that he will be arranging a 10 days meditation retreat in the UK in near future and hoped to see the attendees there too. The session concluded with a question and answer session, in which the meditators showed great interest in Buddhism and meditation.
