The annual Vesak Punya Mahotsavaya of the Sawara Lankaji Viharaya, the first Theravada Buddhist temple built in Japan nourished by Mahayana Buddhism, is being held today (25) under the patronage of the Chief Sanghanayaka of Japan, President of the Sri Lanka Mahabodhi Society, Venerable Banagala Upatissa Nayaka Thero, according to Koswatte Palitha Thero, resident at the Lankaji Viharaya.
“Vesak Punya Mahotsavaya at the Lankaji Viharaya in Japan is today”
Following the Theravada tradition, at the Vesak Punya Mahotsavaya, which is being held for the 41st time in Japan, Koswatte Palitha Thero states that a series of Amisa (material offerings) and Patipatti (practice) Pujas, including morning and evening Gilanpasa Buddha Pujas (offerings of refreshments to the Buddha), morning and afternoon Sanghagata Dakshinas (offerings to the community of monks), rice and tea Dansalas (charity stalls offering food and drinks), Dharma sermons, and devotional songs, will be held at the Lankaji Viharaya’s Vesak Punya Mahotsavaya.
Venerable Banagala Upatissa Nayaka Thero states that all these meritorious activities are being conducted with the participation of Sri Lankan Buddhists living in Japan and Japanese devotees who support the Sawara Lankaji Viharaya. He also hopes that this annual Vesak festival will help the Sri Lankan children living in Japan understand the meaningfulness and vibrancy of the Vesak festival, as well as prepare them for future Vesak celebrations.
