During our pilgrimage trip to Sri Lanka in Dec 2010, Chief Rev. Indaratana initiated the idea of organizing a Novitiate Program in Sri Lanka.On the Island Sri Lanka as we know, there was fighting between the Tamil Tigers and the Government for the past many years. It was only last year that both sides compromised and ended their fighting, for the benefit of the people and country.
Hence with the beginning of a new era, organizing a novitiate program with 60 participants will be the first novitiate program in Sri Lanka. To our surprise many Sri Lankans experienced this novitiate program for the first time. They were ignorant as to "what to do, how to make offerings to monks, and how to serve them".
The 60 participants, both Samaneras and Upasikas stayed in Hotel Sudu Araliya, situated beside a man-made lake. The environment was very conducive, breezy and with a large garden for meditation (sitting or walking). Looking at the waves is a bliss and good relaxation for many participants.
The ordination was held at Gal Vihara, the Ancient Site. The images of Buddha in different positions were carved from lime stone. The journey to the Ancient Site was about 20 minutes drive from the hotel. When we travelled to the Ancient Site, we were led by a police car. We were welcomed with Sri Lankan music and dance by the young students. The Sri Lankan Minister of Health officiated the ordination.
Even though it was the first time for some of the Samaneras and Upasikas to participate in this novitiate program, they carried themselves very well and were disciplined.
On one of the nights, we went for a candle light puja at Gal Vihara. The event was very touching to us. The temple ground was closed to the public as it was reserved for the us only.
Indeed, we had 2 very good dhamma and meditation teachers who guided us daily in dhamma / meditation and Q & A sessions. It was a new paradigm shift for us in understanding Buddhism. By practicing a very simple and relaxing way of meditation, we realize and understand the causes of sufferings and how to be liberated from samsara.
We had a wonderful and an unforgetable deva blessing under the original maha bodhi tree. It started to drizzle when Chief Rev. led the chanting,
and it stopped when the chanting finished. The drops of rain on our face were refreshing as they did not drench us.
We are glad that everyone was very happy as much has been gained from this program. Some have already registered their names with us for the next novitiate program in Dambulla - Sri Lanka Novitiate 2012
H
5 comments:
The Novitiate Programme was indeed a great experience. Dr. M. Punnaji really sets one thinking deeply. Maha Sadhu (3X) to the Chief Rev. Indaratana, members of the Organizing Committee and helpers who worked hard and efficiently to make the event a great success. I greatly appreciate the sacrifices made by the Committee members and helpers for the benefit of all participants. Thank you very much. - Tilaka
3 Maha Sadhu for the great effort all of you and your helpers had put in to make the event such a great success. Thank you for getting us great teachers who guided us on the right path.
It was a great experience and a great feeling without hair............. !
Thank you very much.
With Metta,
lay kean
My heartfelt thanks to the organising committee/team and their volunteers for their untiring and selfless effort in ensuring that the novitiate programme was a success and also in ensuring that the needs of the participants were taken care of.
Indeed it was a great experience which I would cherished and hope that I will follow the path that has just begin for me (though nothing is guaranteed that I will be able to persevere) but I will try.
With Metta
soobee
Hi, Sukhihotu to all kalyana mitra,
Maha Sadhu to all,
Would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and joy to all our Teachers , Sangha members , Chief Reverend , kalyna mitra and donors who has made this spiritual event a fruitful and joyful one.
Would like to spread out this wonderful energy gained to all sentient beings , and specially to our teachers and kalyna mitra who has sacrificed to much for us, May they be connected with this
wonderful energy of ours. May they and their family be Well, Comfortable, Peaceful and Happy. With lots of metta Dhammarati
Very happy to meet and learn from Ven Dr. Punnaji the true dhamma from his interpretation,which is simple, logic and profound.
Ven Dr. Punnaji explained very systematically the dhamma in our modern words of Today.
When he taught the dhamma, my mind was brought back to the times of Buddha.
After listening and learning from Ven Dr. Punnaji, there is this hope in me that if the teaching is understood and practiced ardently, we too are able to join the ariyas.
Looking forward to next Sri Lanka novitiate.
Dreamer
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