Sanghamitta Day Celebrations will be held at the London Buddhist Vihara on Sunday, 16th December 2012, commencing at 9.00 a.m. This festival is unique to Sri Lanka as it commemorates the arrival of Sanghamitta, daughter of Emperor Asoka of India, for the purpose of establishing the Bhikkhuni Order in the island. This day is also of universal significance to Buddhists as Sanghamitta brought with her a sapling of the Bodhi Tree from Buddha Gaya. The sapling, planted at Anuradhapura in 245 B.C., is today regarded as the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world.

 

P R O G R A M M E 

9.00 – 9.15 A.M. Administering the Eight Precepts and Admonition (Anusasana)

by Venerable B. Seelawimala Nayaka Thera, Head of the Vihara.

9.15 – 9.45 A. M. Buddha Vandana (Homage to the Buddha) – by Venerable T. Bandula

9.45 – 10.15 A.M. Meditation – by Dr. Sumana Perera

10.15 – 10.30 A.M. Tea will be served

10.30 – 11.15 A.M. Dhamma Talk – by Venerable K. Ariyaratana

11.15 A.M. Buddhapuja – by Venerable Manampita Amitha

11.15 A.M. The 6th Death Anniversary Dana ceremony in memory of

Venerable Dr. M. Vajiragnana Nayaka Thera,

Former Head of the London Buddhist Vihara to the Venerable Monks, Upasakas and Upasikas observing Eight Precepts and lay devotees.

1.30 – 2.00 P.M. “Dhamma Discussion” Panel:. Venerable Seelawimala, Venerable Ariyaratana,

Dr. Upali Abeysiri and Mr. Richard Jones,

2.00 – 3.00 P.M. “Women, Addiction and Recovery. Some Stories of Hope and Loving Kindness”

Dr. Wendy Dossett, Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies, University of Chester.

 3.00 – 3.30 P.M. Tea will be served

3.30 – 4.30 P.M. “Dhamma Talk” by Dr. Sumana Perera

 4.30 – 5.30 P.M. Sermon in Sinhala – by Venerable Tawalama Bandula

5.30 – 6.00 P.M. Bodhi Puja – by Venerable Manampita Amitha

6.00 P.M. Pirith Chanting and Punyanumodana (sharing of merit)

 

ALL ARE WELCOME!

ANAGARIKA DHARMAPALA TRUST
THE LONDON BUDDHIST VIHARA
Dharmapala Building, The Avenue, Chiswick, London W4 1UD