KATHINA    CEREMONY     

25^th OCTOBER 2020

  

KATHINA signifies the traditional end of the Vassa (Rainy) Season pertaining to the Buddha's own home ground in Northern India. A Vihara may perform this ceremony only once in any particular year.  Kathina is an auspicious event giving devotees the rare opportunity of offering a Kathina Robe to the Sangha who have observed the Rainy Retreat (Vassa) at this Vihara.  The occasion also gives an opportunity for practising Dana (generosity) in providing useful requisites to the monks and to the Vihara in general. The ceremony commemorating this event will be celebrated at the Vihara on Sunday 25^th October 2020.

 

PROGRAMME

 

 3.00pm       Bringing the Kathina Robe    

 3.15-3.30    Taking Refuges and the Five Precepts   

 3.30-4.00    A talk on the Significance of Kathina  

 4.00-4.30    Offering Kathina Robe and other requisites to the Sangha    

 4.30-5.00    Sermon in Sinhala   

 5.00-5.30    Paritta Chanting by the Venerable Monks and Punyanumodana  

  

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic rules imposed by the Government; it will not be possible to have a gathering at the Vihara premises. Therefore, the gathering will be limited to members of the sponsoring families only.

 

  Those who are wishing to contribute towards the Kathina Ceremony may send a donation made payable to The London Buddhist Vihara or Online transfers to:-

The London Buddhist Vihara

NatWest Bank A/C No. 02449161 Sort Code: 56-00-31

using your name as reference.

The traditional Kapparukkha (Wishing Tree) will be placed in the shrining Room from Sunday 18^th October, and the Kathina Robe will be available for stitching from 20^th – 24^th October 2020. Those wishing to place their donations and to stitch the robe are welcome to visit the Vihara
by prior appointment before Sunday 25^th October 2020.

(Due to the Pandemic restrictions unfortunately, we do not invite Dayakas or friends to attend to the Vihara on 25^th October 2020.)

Please join Live link below
Facebook:     https://www.facebook.com/londonvihara/live/

You Tube:     https://youtu.be/0NAR7cvphq8

 

Message From The London Buddhist Vihara
For the Reflection and Practice of the Dhamma in a time of fatal Coronavirus .
Arogya Parama Labha
Health is the highest gain Dhammapada 204

 Dear Devotees, Friends,

 I hope you are all of keeping well and safe.

 Generally, during these days in April, Sri Lankan people celebrate the Sinhalese New Year. But, as no doubt you are all aware, locally and globally, without exception, every human being on our planet, is under threat from this dreadful pandemic caused by the Corona Virus.

 At this moment in time, we have no choice but to remain isolated, so we are making good use of this time with contemplating the Dhamma. We spend our time wisely by nurturing more spiritual thoughts rather than celebrating the Aluth Avuruddha.

 Usually, we live our lives following very busy schedules, but now a days unexpectedly, we have been given time to rest. We must follow the advice of the NHS and medical experts to do our bit to try and reduce the impact of this harmful virus, Covid 19.

 We hear sad news that some of our friends have been affected and some of our friends are dead and gone. Regardless of nationality, wealth, status, power or age, all human beings are vulnerable and equal to getting Corona Virus – it does not discriminate.

 We have all heard the Buddha’s saying,‘Arogya Parama Labha’Health is the highest  Gain. Not only in Buddhism but in other religions there are similar sayings that, above all else, health is of ultimate importance.

 Also, at this time, we need to think not only of our own well-being, but also the well being of others. I know we practice Metta Bhavana mediation on loving kindness. We mentally recite and share the thoughts, ‘May I be well and May you be well May all beings be well and protected from the danger of this Corona Virus.’

 Also, we request from our elders, please stay at home do not go anywhere as they are more vulnerable, and we will cater to their needs. Not only Buddhists but followers of other faith are aware of this during, Easter time. We become more compassionate and love each other. Also, we can reflect upon our good memories regarding our good Kamma.

 

Certainly, doctors and medical specialists will find a solution to this challenge presented by Corona Virus. Until that time, we must maintain our good spirit through positive thinking. As we Buddhist we gain resilience especially by practicing mediation on Loving kindness ‘Metta Bhavana’, listening to the Dhamma and helping others who need our support; these good practices are very beneficial for everyone.

 Unfortunately, the Vihara is temporarily closed indefinitely, until the end of this corona pandemic. Nevertheless, we monks practice Puja and chanting of Ratana Sutta every morning and evening. You also can participate the evening Puja, as it easy to view via our Facebook of London Buddhist Vihara.

 ‘Sabbhitiyo vivajjantu - sabba rogo vinassatu
May all misfortunes be averted, may all sicknes be healed.
Mâ te bhavatvantarâyo - sukhi dighâyuko bhava
may no danger befall me and you, may I and you live long and happily.’

 With Metta, 

Ven B Seelawimala Thera
Head Monk
Ven T Bandula Thera
Ven K Kassapa Thera

LONDON BUDDHIST VIHARA

 

Classes at the Vihara are cancelled

Please note that all the regular classes, i.e Wednesday-meditation, Tuesday-Pali and Advanced Buddhism are now cancelled until further notice. 

We remember you

 

A tribute for all the loved ones who have lost their lives during this awful pandemic Covid 19

 

Although you are not in physical form today

You live on with love in our hearts

Thoughts of you make flowers bloom every day

As angels come to visit us.

 

Much beauty you left behind

A gift for our family from you

We miss you being with us but please, do not worry

We promise to see you again one day.

 

While the sun rises and sets everyday

Fond memories of you come to mind

Always with a radiant, smiling face, bright sparkling eyes.

In darkness, candlelight glows on your picture.   

As brothers and sisters love each other

We hold you close, in our human family

A victim of Corona, so much harder to bear your departure

We miss you being near.

 

No longer can you see the beauty of summer flowers here

But observe the beauty of mother Earth from above

The many wreaths placed as tribute from bereaved children

Observing our tears of loss.

 

In a dream I see your smiling face

In the blue sky, with moonlight and twinkling stars

You are waving to say good bye 

Remain in peace, my dear.

 

 

Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala

Head of London Buddhist Vihara