Sri Lanka monk in for Germany on Dharmaduta work

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Berlin, Germany -- Ven. Dikwelle Seelasumana Thera, Deputy Chief monk of the Buduraja Maha Vihara, Wevuru – kannala, Dikwella left for Germany on December 27, 2012 to engage in Dharmaduta work as the second resident monk of the Berlin Vihara (also known as Das Buddhistische Haus). He joins Ven. Kongaspitiye Santharakkhitha Thera who is currently resident at the Vihara since June 2010.

Ven. Seelasumana’s visit is being sponsored by the German Dharmaduta Society founded by Asoka Weeraratna in 1952.

Ven. Seelasumana Thera is a member of the Amarapura Siri Saddhammawansa Maha Nikaya. He obtained higher ordination (Upasampada) in 1976. He has a B.A. (Peradeniya), M.A. (Kelaniya), and a post – graduate Diploma in Education (University of Colombo).  Fifty – six –year old Ven. Seelasumana Thera, has served as a Principal of a Dhamma school and as a lecturer at the Vidyatunga Pirivena in Dickwella. He also conducts meditation classes at his Temple.

This is Ven. Seelasumana’s second spell at the Berlin Vihara. He has earlier served as a resident monk at the Vihara for a two year period from 2007 – 2009, and is familiar with the German language.

Since 1957, Buddhist monks from Sri Lanka and other countries have resided at the Berlin Vihara to propagate the Dhamma in Germany and other Western countries.

Das Buddhistiche Haus, prior to it being converted into a Vihara with resident monks, was purchased by Asoka Weeraratna in the name and on behalf of the Trustees of the German Dharmaduta Society in 1957 from the heirs of Dr. Paul Dahlke, a prolific writer and pioneer of Buddhism in Germany, who built and went into occupation of Das Buddhistische Haus in 1924. It is now a National Heritage site in Germany.  

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Sri Lanka Embassy in Germany commemorates the 2600th Anniversary of the Sambuddattva Jayanthi with an all-night recitation of Pirith

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Berlin, Germany -- The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Germany in association with Das Buddhistische Haus (Berlin Buddhist Vihara) in Berlin – Frohnau, held an all – night recitation of Pirith Ceremony at the premises of the Embassy beginning at 8.00 p.m. on Friday June 10th 2011.

<< Photo (Left to right): Ven. Halyale Wimalaratana (Switzerland),Ven . Kruwalagaswewa Anuruddha (Switzerland) Ven.Lendiyagala Sudassi (Switzerland) Ven.Kannimahara Piyasiri (München) Ven.Kongaspitiye Santharakkhitha (Berlin) Ven (Dr.)Wijayarajapura Seelawansa Nayake Thera (Vienna, Austria) Ven Thalpawila Kusalagnana (Hamburg), Mr. Piyasena (Seated) Kapakaru.

14 Buddhist Monks based in various cities across continental Europe and some visiting monks from Sri Lanka attended the function at the Embassy.

This event was held pursuant to a decision taken by the President Mahinda Rajapaksa to commemorate the 2600th Anniversary of the Sambuddattva Jayanthi on an all year basis commencing from the Vesak full moon Poya day of 2011.

In this context the understanding of the President and the Government is that appropriate religious activities, including programmes of religious work would be carried out by the Vihares, Institutions and overseas Missions to the best of their ability. This would include Buddhist sermons, Dhamma discussions, and meditation programmes (dhamma, seela bhavana etc.) among others.

Ven. Kongaspitiye Santharakkhltha Thero of Das Buddhistische Haus (Berlin Vihara) co-ordinated all activities regarding the all night Pirith ceremony pursuant to an invitation sent to him and all other monks by Major – General Jagath Dias, Deputy Chief of Mission, acting on behalf of the Ambassador. Eight of the venerable monks resided at the Berlin Vihara during their temporary stay in Berlin.

Mr. Tissa Weeraratna, Vice – President, GDS and Manager in charge of the Berlin Vihara ensured that the visiting monks were well looked after. A couple of monks remained at the Temple until the 20th of June.

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