Scotland’s Buddhist Vihara 10th Anniversary Celebration
By Shira Kirkhope
Pictures by Iain Clark and Malitha Yatiwella
An anniversary is a joyful occasion, a celebration of achievement and an opportunity for friends, family and well-wishers to gather to congratulate and to reminisce.
The 10th Anniversary Celebration of Scotland’s Buddhist Vihara was no exception and despite two previous days of dreadful weather and travel disruptions, a large gathering of Sri Lankan devotees who had come all the way from Dundee, Aberdeen, St. Andrews, Stirling, Edinburgh and Glasgow as well as UK guests joined Venerable Rewatha Nayaka Thero and a Sangha of 10 monks and 2 nuns to congratulate him on a wonderful achievement.
The ceremony began in the Vihara on the evening of Friday, 29th June with Maha Pirith Chanting by the 10 monks. This took place in an elegant and beautiful Mandapa (pavilion) built by devotees in the traditional Sri Lankan style and sited in the shrine. The most Venerable Keppitiyagoda Gunawansa Nayaka Thero administered the five Precepts before the Maha Paritta chanting.
A sermon on the significance of chanting was delivered by Dr. Kassapa Thero OBE and Paritta and Maha Pirith Dasana were lead by Venerable Amitha Thero of Leicester Buddhist Vihara and Venerable Soratha Thero of Jethavana Vihara, Birmingham, respectively. This was a beautiful experience for new Scottish Buddhists as well as those born into the Buddhist traditions. It was also a special occasions for others who were simply visiting.
The ceremony continued next day, Saturday 30th June, at Partick Burgh Halls, Glasgow.
It was a delightful ceremony full of warmth and light-hearted moments creating an atmosphere of affection and happiness. Ven Rewatha Nayaka Thero, who took on the role of Master of Ceremonies, introduced each section of the programme with a brief explanation and some witty remarks.
The Keynote Speech was given by the much respected Ajahn Sister Chandasiri, originally a resident of Edinburgh, who ordained as a nun in the Thai Forest tradition, 30 years ago. She gave a very interesting account of her life and her spiritual development speaking of the value of mindfulness in everyday life and imparting her good wishes for the future of the Vihara. The subject of mindfulness was expanded later on in the programme by Alistair Kelly,one of our regular meditators, who gave an inspirational talk on the importance of the “Present Moment”.
Brian Cox, acclaimed actor and rector of Dundee University and Bob Dorris MSP both spoke in an entertaining fashion interspersed with anecdotes of their friendship and respect for Ven. Rewatha Nayaka Thero. They both emphasised how Scotland’s Buddhist Vihara had become an asset to the local community as well as having a great influence on many aspects of Scottish life.
Mr M.R.K. Lengala, Deputy High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in the U.K. passed on his own good wishes and read a message of congratulation from His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka.
Among the special guests were Dr Sirisena, advisor to Scotland’s Buddhist Vihara. The Sri Lankan High Commission in London was represented by Mr Lenagala ,the Acting High Commissioner, Mr. Chaminda Kularathne, Head of Immigration and Mr Padmanadan, Head of International Relations.
Currie High School in Edinburgh was represented by Mr & Mrs C. Walton, Depute Head Teacher, Mr & Mrs P. Farren, Senior Deputy Head Teacher, Mr. Robertson, Principle Teacher history and RME and Mr and Rev Duncan Lead Teacher RME. Dr. Kenneth Hutton represented the Buddhist College UK and University of Glasgow.
The vote of thanks at the end of the ceremony was delivered by Mr. Dhammika Siripala.
We must also commend the skills of the young drummers and dancers who provided a traditional accent for the ceremony and of course, the array of delicious Sri Lankan dishes provided for lunch.
Not to be forgotten is the enormous amount of work done by the organising committee whose attention to every detail made this such a memorable occasion.
We give our grateful thanks to our Magnificent Millenium Maryhill Monk (who loves alliteration) for giving us another Marvellous Mudita Moment!
