The Head Monk of London Buddhist Vihara Ven Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thero is appointed as the Buddhist Chaplain to the Festival of 2012 London Olympics

In the next few weeks London will be gripped with Olympic fever asthe world’s best and celebrated athletes descend on London – it is something that hasn’t been seen in the nation since the last Olympic Games held in 1948. And 2012 Olympics will make London the first city to have hosted the modern Games for three Olympiads. Among the representatives of the world major faiths who will be providing pastoral and spiritual care will beThe Head Monk of London Buddhist Vihara and the Chief SanghaNayaka of Great Britain,VenBogodaSeelawimala, whohas been chosen as the Buddhist Chaplain during the 2012 Games. Although the planning for the Olympic Games in London has been going on for eight years it was just three years ago that the search started to find suitably-qualified chaplains from all the major faiths.

Speaking about it Ven. BogodaSeelawimala said, “I had already had a certain amount of experience as a hospital chaplain and I am not a newcomer to Chaplaincy services. I was also known to many members of the InterFaith Network, so my application to be appointed as a Buddhist chaplain was accepted. I am looking forward to making a small contribution to the smooth and successful running of the Games and I consider this a great privilege and a rare opportunity to participate in this important global event. And I am sure it’s going to be an unforgettable experience, as well as an achievement, for me as a monk. As a Sri Lankan monk I am very honoured. The Olympic Village is an amazing combination of imagination matched with technological skill. On 8th November last year I visited the Village with the Archbishop of Canterbury and other faith leaders. From 15th July until the end of August I have to be on duty for 20 days in the Village. In the Olympic Charter it states the goal is “to place sport at the service of the harmonious development of man, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity”. We may not all win a gold medal in sport, but we can certainly play our part in the development of a well-ordered society, based on love of our fellow men and the observance of ethical conduct.”

Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala will conduct his spiritual and pastoral care from the allocated room for the Buddhists and conduct Mediation for the balance of mind. There will be separate rooms for each of the main world religions. And in the Buddhist room there will be a statue of Buddha brought from the London Buddhist Vihara, in addition to this,books and other information materials will be available to those who would want to find solace from the hustle and bustle of the Olympic arena.

The room also will have fresh flowers and cushions, an environment that createdto give an aura of tranquillity and peace for those want to contemplate and meditate in preparation to meet the immense demands that will be on the mind and physic to prove ability and endurance.

The Olympic Games were originally held in Greece from the 8th century BC to 4th century AD. It was known that during this time the Greeks believed that mind, spirit, and body should be developed together, resulting in a well educated, balanced person. Physical training helped to develop skills such as patience and endurance. In ancient Greece, athletics was a part of everyday life, together with religion, education, the arts, and politics. Athletic training went side by side with moral training. This resulted in the development of disciplined and virtuous citizens, well prepared to play their part in democratic society. A disciplined character was regarded as just as important as a disciplined body. Competitors could be disqualified if they failed to live up to the required ethical standards. Victory in the games was attributed to the competitor’s moral virtues as well as his physical prowess.

Ven Seelawimala added: Olympic competitors of all faiths have had to discipline themselves to follow a life-style devoted to endless practice and training, often sacrificing other interests and pleasures in order to pursue their goal with unswerving commitment. They have had to persevere despite setbacks, such as injury or lack of money to enable them to train. We can admire their dedication, while at the same time reflecting on the parallels with following a spiritual path. Whatever our religious beliefs, our practice will require discipline, devotion and a high level of dedication.

By Pandula Ranatunga

Source: News Lanka(UK)