Dhamma Discourse on ‘Serivanija Jataka’ to mark Unduvap Poya

Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), the cultural arm of the High Commission of India, organized an online Dhamma Discourse on ‘Serivanija Jataka’ on Unduvap Full Moon Poya day (December 29). Sermons were delivered in Sinhala by Venerable Batuwangala Rahula Thera, and in English by Venerable Kamburawala Rewatha Thera.

The distinguished monks highlighted the millennia-old, deep socio-religious, cultural and historical links between India and Sri Lanka in their discourse. Speaking about the significance of ‘SerivanijaJataka’, the bhikkus called upon people to observe the Panchshila, the Five Precepts, of The Buddha and lift themselves morally and spiritually.

Participants used the opportunity to seek answers to their questions on Dhamma and life. The Dhamma Discourse ended with invoking The Buddha’s blessings for everyone’s health and happiness.

Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day attests to the depth of bilateral links between the India and Sri Lanka. The day marks the arrival of Arahat Sanghamitta Theri, the sister of Arahat Mahinda Thera and the daughter of the Great Emperor Asoka to Sri Lanka.

Arahat Sanghamitta Theri brought the sacred Jayasiri Maha Bo-Tree Sapling to Sri Lanka from the historical Sri Maha Bodhi Tree at Bodh Gaya in India under which The Buddha had attained Enlightenment. The sacred Jayasiri Maha Bo-Tree Sapling was planted in the “Mahamevuna Uyana” in the holy city of Anuradhapura.

Unduvap Poya Day also commemorates the establishment of the Bhikkuni Sasana or the Order of Buddhist Nuns in Sri Lanka by Arahat Sanghamitta Theri.

SVCC undertakes various activities on Poya Days and the Dhamma Discourse on ‘Serivanija Jataka’ was a part of this initiative. Previous Poya Days were marked by an art exhibition by Sri Lankan artists on the walls of the High Commission of India premises; online interaction between Buddhist scholars from Sri Lanka and India; workshop for children; webinars etc.