Sati Pasala and the Global Mindfulness Summit 2024

The idea to promote the concept of mindfulness – development of Sati – particularly in children, was prominent in Most Ven Uda Eriyagama Dhammajiva Thera’s mind many years ago. True to his personality, he immediately formulated a project and launched it, encouraging and actively participating in conducting meditation sessions with school children during weekends and out of school hours. Then he got the education department to accept his proposal of making sati meditation a part of the school curriculum. These were significant developments to benefit children, adults, and the country.

In May 2017, the biggest boost to the fulfillment of his meritorious act was the inauguration of the Sati Pasala Foundation with many devoted persons coming together to support Ven Dhammajiva, who was persuaded to be the Foundation’s spiritual leader and main advisor. The Foundation has flourished and grown stronger and promotes sati among children and adults of all races, religions and status. Generous philanthropists; those volunteering to be Foundation members; and yet others willing to undertake the conducting of Sati Pasala meditation sessions have increased in number and commitment.

Stated briefly, the objectives of the Foundation are:

· The promotion and propagation of mindfulness in all sectors of Sri Lankans, which improves focus, assures mental health, and emotional resilience promoting tolerance and empathy.

· “To create awareness on the scientifically proven mental and physical benefits of mindfulness, and on current global trends in mindfulness-based academic research.”

· To act as an apolitical body, promoting sustainable harmony among ethnic and religious groups.

· To initiate mindfulness programmes with government and NGOs, also local and international partners

· Establish branches of Sati Pasala in selected overseas locations.

The Global Summit

The Global Mindfulness Summit 2024 was residential for two days: May 3 and 4, at the Nagananda International Institute for Buddhist Studies, Kelaniya, with the Maha Thera, office bearers, members of the Foundation and others present. The chief guest was Minister of Education, Susil Premajayanth. A member from Kandy who attended the summit said that preparations were commendable and the Summit proceeded very well.

The Global Mindfulness Summit, a step forward of Sati Pasala, aimed at achieving a “holistic solution provider with life transformation through mindfulness for ultimate world harmony and contentment.” This aim was to be achieved by “Creating a concept of Universal Mindful Village, through the mindfully empowered nation Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education to showcase to the world the country’s success story beyond barriers, using the tool ‘Mindfulness’ creatively and interactively introduced by Founder, Most Ven Uda Eriyagama Dhammajiva Thera, through Sati Pasala.”

The Summit was founded upon and discussed the concepts of education, government organizations, corporate organizations, the tri-forces and police, and interfaith cooperation.

Invitations were sent out by the office bearers to significant persons – officials plus lay persons. School children and their principals and teachers were participants and also demonstrated sati meditation sessions. Altogether seating accommodation was provided for 800. The planning process had been vast; including notices, placards, media announcements, displays at an exhibition and of course programs for the two days.

Most Ven Uda Eriyagama Dhammajiva Thera

Not only does this dynamic bhikkhu work tirelessly to spread the true word of the Buddha, but also, since he recognized the benefit of Sati and conceived the idea of spreading it and inaugurating Sati Pasala, he has been of immense help to the country and to people of all religions and ages. He is also engaged in, and in high demand in Dhammaduta work: spreading the Dhamma overseas in several countries. For example he is present and assists Bhikkhu Bodhi in New Jersey in conducting meditation retreats and Sutta studies in New York State.

His life story is interesting and inspiring. Born close to Kandy he schooled in Kandy and graduated from the University of Peradeniya as a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science. However, during his time of higher studies he felt disillusioned and embarked on spiritual investigation. In 1977, during his second year of undergraduate studies, his father fell ill and he devoted himself to caring for him. Notwithstanding, his father died.

This left him with a strong sense of impermanence and the spiritual urge to inquire into the nature of life. While CEO of a company he decided to take to robes and arrived at Mitirigala Nisssarana Vanaya, where on November 16, 1988, he was ordained. In June 1990 he received higher ordination. He continues as fourth Abbott and Chief Preceptor of this forest hermitage. He has said and I quote:

“As a person who greatly benefited from the free education system in Sri Lanka, I am delighted that I was able to make the concept of Sati Pasala (School of Mindfulness) a reality. Starting at the age of 26, the practice of mindfulness during the last 40 years has given me unwavering confidence in its power. Mindfulness is a simple yet powerful recipe for success in our existence. It helps everyone equally.

“Mindfulness naturally gives rise to diligence and clear comprehension. These two qualities empower a person to successfully face any challenge that life throws at him or her. My experience tells me that younger children not only find it easier to be introduced to mindfulness but are also more likely to benefit from the practice.”

He then briefly outlines his idea of what Sati Pasala basically is; providing training and knowledge; not affiliated to any religion; training children being a collective effort of school faculty and administrators, parents, other family members and neighbours. And lastly, being open to adults. “It will be like a shining torch where there is not enough light.” He hoped that with the cooperation of all – school personnel, parents, volunteer guides in meditation and others who consider children’s well being a priority, “Sati Pasala will grow and blossom into a beautiful lotus that will bring peace and happiness to many in this world.”

Ven Thera’s recent remarks

On May 16, seated on a step in a flight of stone steps in Mitirigala Nissarana Vanaya, Ven Uda Eriyagama Dhammajiva Thera thanked all who had contributed in whichever way to ensure the success of the 2024 Summit. I listened to a video clip of what he said in Sinhala and concisely convey the gist of his address.

He thanked everyone, particularly the Foundation organizers and their team; the Nagananda Intl Institute; the education and health ministries; the police and media. He acknowledged receipt of well wishes for the Summit sent by the President and other VVIPs. He mentioned that government approval had been received via a Cabinet paper to introduce sati bhavana in schools. Sati Pasala has been established in many places in the island and will be beacons to the world which too would finally become a global adherent to mindfulness. Proposals have been made to declare a National Day of Mindfulness in Sri Lanka. The United Nations Organisation has been approached to name and observe the day following Vesak, which is now recognized as a UN special day, as the World Day of Mindfulness.

Much has been achieved in Sati Pasala and through the Foundation. More will surely be achieved in the near future. Mindfulness meditation and the constant practice of sati is so very necessary, more so now with wars raging in two regions of the world; and in our own country where corruption and adverse economic conditions affect us all.