Thames Buddhist Vihara held special ceremony to usher in the New Year

Thames Buddhist Vihara held special ceremony to usher in the New Year

Pictures by Nimal Navaratne

On 31st December 2011 Thames Buddhist Vihara, held a special ‘All-Night Pirith Chanting Ceremony’ (Intonation of selected Suttras) to usher in the New Year 2012, and to bestow blessings of universal truths of the sublime Buddha dharma enshrined in the scriptures, on all living beings, especially the devotees of the Vihara and people of Sri-Lanka for a happy, prosperous and a peaceful New Year 2012.

‘Pirith’ chanting got under way after the ceremony held to pay homage to Gauthama the Buddha and the 27 previous Buddhas. Twenty eight devotees made their individual offerings comprising, ‘Ata-Pirikara, Chathumadura, floral arrangement and candle light’, by placing them in front of each statuette, arranged in a row, on elegantly decorated tables. It turned out to be one of the most eye-catching displays to behold. The homage ceremony was conducted with panache by Venerable Pulasthigama Dhammakusala Thera one of the resident Venerables.

Venerables taking part in ‘Pirith’ chanting were conducted in a procession by a troupe of ceremonially clad young drummers, all from Thames Vihara’s Sunday School, to the specially erected Pagoda, exquisitely decorated both inside and out in typical Srilankan style, which provided comfortable seating accommodation for the Venerbales. The attractive soft illuminations gave the Pagoda an added sophistication and soothing ambiance ideal for the occasion.

In his welcome address, Head of the Thames Buddhist Vihara, Venerable Pahalagama Somaratana Chief Sanga Nayaka Thera, while extending a warm welcome to participating Venerables, stressed that 2011 was a difficult year for everybody especially because of the economic downturn and this ‘Pirith’ chanting was specially arranged in addition to the usual annual ceremony, to invoke the blessings of ‘Pirith’ for a prosperous and peaceful New Year 2012.

Head of Plaistow Buddhist Vihara, Ven. Dr. Kabalawe Sirisumana Thera while explaining the wholesome and beneficial effects ‘Pirith’ has on our health and well-being, commented on the invaluable service that Venerable Pahalagama Somaratana Chief Sanga Thera is providing to the welfare of the community. Venerable Warapitiye Rahula Thera, Venerable Karawilakotuwe Dhammathilaka Thera, Bhikku Assaji, Venerable Bulathsinghla Kusaladhamma Thera and Ven. P. Dhammakusala thera also participated in ‘Pirith’ chanting.

The deputy High Commissioner for Sri-Lanka in UK P.M. Amza who was present with his family lighted the traditional oil lamp and the President of Thames Meditation Society Dr. Herath Kularatne formally invited the Venerables to chant ‘Pirith’. Cyril Randeniya helped with the putting up of the Pagoda, Rohith Thabrew with decorative lighting and Nihal Atapattu family served a typical Srilankan style evening meal. .