Final " Dhammassawana" sermon for 2016 held at The London Buddhsit Vihara

tmadawela | 08 Dec, 2016 09:55PM | Leave a comment
The closing Dhamma sermon for the year 2016 of the monthly Sinhala sermon series, "Dhammassawana" was held at the London Buddhsit Vihara on Saturday the 3rd December.

Sermon based on the " Anusaya Sutta" from the Anguththara Nikaya was delivered by the Chief Sangha Nayaka of the United States Most Venerable Dedunupitiye Upananda Nayaka Thera.

In a capitative talk the Nayaka Thera explained in detail the seven "Anusayas" or the underlying tendencies which are considered as part of the fundamental function of human psyche and how they deeply affect the character and behaviour of every person. He said that Psyche is a word generally used in spirituality and psychology and in many theistic religions it is referred as soul and in Buddhism it is defined as consciousness.

The Nayaka Thero further said that " In the brief discourse " Anusaya Sutta" Buddha gave a list of seven obsessions which are innate and has to be managed well. They are, the obsession of sensual pleasure " Kama Raga ", the obsession of resistance " Patigaha", the obsession of views " Dhitti", the obsession of uncertainty " Vichikichcha", the obsession of conceit " Maana", the obsession of passion for becoming " Bhava-raaga", and finally the obsession of ignorance " Avijja". Gradual reduction of these desires or " Thushna" is a crucial and essential part of our effort in achieving happiness in the daily life and finally attaining the ultimate bliss of Nibbana".

The sermon was sponsored by Kunthala Amarasinha, Rosy Kudaligama, Sujatha Palihakkaara, Visakha Botheju, Samanthi Wijerathna, their families and friends.

Head of the Vihara and the Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain Most Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thera thanked Ven. Upananda Nayaka There for a " thought provoking sermon base on one of the most important discourses of the Buddha" and gave Punyanumodana for every one who helped and attended the monthly Sinhala Dhamma sermons during the year.