Buddhist as well as other denominations from many parts of UK and Europe witnessed the glory of a typical Kathina Ceremony on Sunday 26th October 2008 held by Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya International Buddhist Centre in the rare and happy presence of Venerable Monks and distinguished guests.
Dhamma Nikethanaya International Buddhist Centre for Education Meditation Psychotherapy and Counselling is a delightful abode based in Letchworth, The First Garden City, in Hertfordshire. Since its inception in 2004, this institution has become a delightful abode for numerous needs in daily life in the diverse community enriched with members from major nationalities like Sri Lankan, Indian, English, Myanmar, Chinese and many more. Its founder, Ven Akurala Samitha (B. A. Hons; M. A.; S.N.H.S. Dip (Stress Management) (UK); S.N.H.S. Dip (Psychotherapy & Counselling) (UK); Presently a PhD. Student at SOAS - University of London & Msc/Postgraduate Diploma (part time) Student at Luton University) is the Head of the Centre who is a professionally qualified senior Theravada Buddhist Monk originally from Sri Lanka. Friends of Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre regard him as a gifted blessing with incomparable skills in communication, talents in illuminating hearts and minds with the noble teachings of the Buddha and also an embodiment of true compassion to work for the wellbeing of the community.
Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya Annual Kathina Ceremony 2008 was held in the Brotherhood Hall at Letchworth. A Spectacular presence of venerable monks from different parts of the country graced the ceremony. Most Venerable Dr.Witharandeniye Kassapa OBE (Head of the Birminham Buddhist Maha Vihara) attended with Most Venerable Werahera Ariyawansa Maha Thera (Chancellor of Bhikkhu Teachers Training University in Sri Lanka), Most Venerable Kahaththewela Siri Niwasa Maha Thera (Head of Bandarawela Ancient Maha Vihara) and Most Venerable Gonadeniye Seewalie Maha Thera (Director of Religious Affairs at Jinarathana Bhikkhu Training Centre Gangaramaya Sri Lanka). Most Ven Kahatthewela Chandajothie Maha Thera (Principal & Head of Kothmale Vidyaloka Maha Pirivena) attended representing the Head of The Themes Buddhist Maha Vihara, Croydon in London & Chief Buddhist Prelate of UK & Europe, Most Venerable Dr Pahalagama Somarathana Maha Thero. Most Venerable Tawalama Bandula Maha Thera (deputy head of the London Buddhist Vihara) represented the London Buddhist Maha Vihara. Most Venerable Gunnapane Sumanarama Thero (The Head Monk of Edmonton Samadhi Buddhist Meditation Centre in London), Most Venerable Hidikivle Pannasara Thero (The Resident Monk of Leister Buddhist Vihara), and Most Venerable Gonulle Bhikkhu Assaji Maha Thero (Founder & Director of Bhavana Meditation Trust) and also Most Venerable Babarakotuwe Ananda Mangala Maha Thero (the senior disciple of Most Venerable Professor Balangoda Ananda Maithriya Agga Maha Panditha Maha Nayaka Thera) were also graced the occasion.
The graceful presence of Sri Lankan High Commissioner in London Justice H. E. Nihal Jayasinghe and Madam Jayasinghe added a touch of light and devotion to the programme. Our community were immensely impressed with their humble gesture of serving the monks as true devout Buddhists and sharing the ceremonial joy with participants. His Excellency Nihal Jayasinghe is a prominent Justice in Sri Lanka who has a broad understanding of Buddhist Teachings as well as other religious affairs, cultural norms, and also a distinctive intellectual. Sri Lankan expatriates are so pleased with his grace in the first house in London.
The Buddhist Chaplain to the Ministry of Defence in UK Professor Sunil Kariyakarawana was also among the distinguished guests.
The day’s programme was started by carrying the Kathina Robe and Relics Casket in a respectful procession to the ceremonial hall from the Dhamma Nikethanaya Buddhist Centre at Pix Road. The Ceremony was officially started by lighting the traditional oil lamp by H.E. the Sri Lankan High Commissioner and his wife followed by distinguished guests and devotees. Most Venerable Dr W Kassapa Maha Thera O.B.E & Most Venerable Wehara Ariyawansa Maha Thera delivered inspiring sermons in Sinhala while Most Venerable Tawalama Bandula Thera delivered an uplifting sermon in Hindi. Mr Ram Murthie Summan gave a studied understanding about the ceremony in Panjabi language. Venerable Bhikkhu Assaji Maha Thera delivered an interesting Dhamma talk in English explaining the significance of Kathina. Professor Sunil Kariyakarawana enriched the occasion with a meditational lecture. Later everyone thoroughly enjoyed an Asadrusa Kathina Maha Dana (food sharing). The Traditional Kappa Rukkha (beautiful wishful filling tree) symbolically fulfilled the aspirations of devotees and brought necessities for the centre.
This year ceremony was principally sponsored by Mr Devi Dayal Summan and Family. It was well supported by all the members of the Dhamma Nikethanaya who packed the hall for the success of this glorious ceremony. On behalf of all The Trustees and members of the centre Mrs Rathnawalie Dep (Honorary Secretary) humbly thanked all the venerable monks, distinguished guests especially the H. E. the Sri Lankan High Commissioner and Madam and all the virtuous friends of Dhamma Nikethanaya for their numerous contributions, without which we could not have experienced this spiritual bliss. Ven Akurala Samitha, the head of the centre also compassionately expressed his gratitude to all including the media in UK, Newslanka, Sesatha, Lanka Vitthi, Lankatribune, Comet amongst others. He wished them all happiness, success and good health by conducting a beautiful Atavisi Buddha Pooja and Pirith Chanting as a conclusion to the programme. Over three hundred people gathered for the occasion. For more details please visit our website www.letchworthbuddhism.com. May all beings be well and happy!
