KINGSBURY TEMPLE KATINA PINKAMA - DEEP STUDY & PRACTICE OF SATIPATHTHANA

This year’s Katina Ceremonies at the Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre took place on Saturday 18th October 2014 with the Atavisi Pujava and the Kathina Cheevara Pujava on Sunday 19th October 2014.The invitation to observe the Vassana retreat took place on 12 July 2014.

The main sponsors were Dr Gayathri Illangkoon and Mr Sanka Illangkoon and parents Mr Kalinga and Mrs Mangalika De Lanerolle .

Aggamahapandita Venerable Galayaye Piyadassi Sangha Nayaka Thero decided this Vas Season’s main emphasis should be the deep study of the Satipatthana Sutta. Accordingly Ven Dr.Handupelpola Mahinda Nayaka Thero arranged a programme of special sermons on Sundays - 14 Nava Arahadi Pujavas of the Vas Season based on this theme.They were divided into sections, as follows.(1) an introduction to the Sutta and its importance and relevance (2) Anapana Sathiya (3) Iriyapata & Sampadahanaya (4)PilikulBhavanava (5)Dhatu Mahasikaraya (6) Sivatikaya (7)Vedananupassana (8) Cittanu Passnana (9)Dhammanupassana (10) Panchaskanda and Ayane ( 11) Saptha Bhojunga (12) Chathuraya Sathya (13) Samaptha Desanava.

Sermons on these topics were delivered by Ven. Galayaye Piyadassi Sangha Nayaka Thero, Ven. (Dr) Handupelpola Mahinda Nayaka Thero , Ven. Bohingamuwe Rathanajothi Thero, Ven. Matale Wijewantha Thero Ven. Wilbagedara Gnanissara Thero, Ven Waskaduwe Subodhi Thero, Ven. Katiyepe Amithasra Thero, Ven. Galayaye Dhammadassi Thero,Ven. Galigamuwe Gnanadipa Thero and Dr Senevi Athurupana.

Copies of the Satipatthana Sutta were distributed to the devotees and after the sermons the devotees joined the monks in chanting the Suttas appropriate topic of the day..

The colourful Atavisi Pujava,the ancient tradition of paying homage to the 28 Buddhas of the past was held on Saturday 18 July with hundreds of devotees offering Gilanpassa, Atapirikara and Pirikara and the Temple gaily decorated. The Pujava was conducted by Ven. Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero .

Aggamahapandita Venerable Galayaye Piyadassi Sangha Nayaka Thero had also arranged a comprehensive programme for Sunday 19th October 2014, which began with the material for the Kathina robe being ceremonially escorted in a Perehera at 6.30 am and the observance of SIL The Katina Ceremony took place at 3.30pm. The Sangha unanimously decided to offer the Katina Chivaraya to Ven. Katiyepe Amithasara Thero .The Vinayakarmaya was performed by Ven. Nagoda Upananda Thero and Ven. Uluwitake Bodiseeha Thero.

Besides the 7 resident monks, and Ven. Kebellewe Siri Sumana Thero from Plaistow Lumbini Buddhist Cultural Centre,several senior monks from Sri Lanka came to participate in the programme, Venerable Akuretiye Nanda, Sangha Nayaka Thero, Ven. Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero, Uluvitake Bodhiseeha Thero,Ven. Nagoda Upananda Thero,Ven. Nepale Tissa Thero.

Among the distinguished guests participating in the ceremony were Mrs Shamalee Rodrigo, Actg. High Commissioner of Sri Lanka; Mr Nimal Fernando, CEO/ Director, Bank of Ceylon (Uk) Ltd; Dr (Mrs) Kokila Waidyaratne, Minister ( Education) Sri Lanka High Commission;Mr M.P. Ruwan Kumara, Chief Operating Officer, Bank of Ceylon ( UK ) Ltd ; Mr B.N. Pathiratne, Minister- Counsellor( Administration) Sri Lanka High Commission, MrJ.M.G. Jayasudera ( Attache) Sri Lanka High Commission.

Photographs by Sanka Illangakoon and Tissa Madawela