Venerable Banthe Pundit Address

I am pleased indeed about the action taken by Lankarama Buddhist Youth Group to release its’ annual publication Footprints 2020/21 this year by using the most popular modern communication methodology, the Internet. It is a very appropriate decision taken by the Lankarama Buddhist Youth community under the current social environment in the State of NSW and Australia.

It is very well-known that the COVID-19 epidemic has disturbed Australia’s usual way of life and the whole world. COVID-19 restrictions introduced globally have curtailed the organisation of social activities, which requires the assembly of people. This affects the organisation of religious assemblies as well. In a pandemic like what we are experiencing now, we all should take the necessary steps to adhere to all public health rules and follow positive health practices. I would like to give merit to all Lankarama devotees and Sri Lankarama Buddhist Vihara Association for continuing Lankarama religious observances in an exemplary manner with Resident Maha Sangha during this difficult period.

At this point, I would like to recall the guidance The Buddha gave us to get ourselves protected and live well. At the time of the Buddha, once he was spending his time in the great ancient City of Vesali, currently known as Vaishali Nagar in the state of Bihar, which was Magadha in India in ancient times. At that time people of Vaishali had a very bad time.

They suffered from three major disasters. Firstly, it started with famine because they found it very difficult to find food for consumption. Secondly, they became very sick due to the unavailability of food. Thirdly evil spirits and various kinds of misfortunes became rampant. To protect the community of Vesali, the Buddha delivered the Ratana Sutta to help the people get back to their normal way of life. The Buddha requested Ananda Thera to go from street to street with other monks chanting Ratana Sutta and spreading blessed water to bless the people. Ananda Thera with Five Hundred monks followed the instructions given by the Buddha and helped the Vesali Community to dispel the three disasters they were suffering from.

Therefore it is vitally important to remember the spiritual power and truthfulness of Ratana Sutta of the three jewels or three refuges: The Buddha, the Dhamma, and The Sangha.

This Ratna Sutta identifies, in depth, the positive qualities of the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha. Therefore we should always develop a practice to chant this Ratana Sutta at least once a day as it is going to bless us in many ways and help us lead a practical Buddhist way of life with peace and tranquillity.

Lankarama Ven Banthes, SLBVA and Lankarama Buddhist Youth group have worked together to develop the LBYG and let’s continue further enhance LBYG to provide a unique service to the Youth.

Sabbitiyo vivajjantu - Sabbarogo vinassatu- Mate bhavattvan tarayo - Sukhi dighayuko bhava

May all misfortunes warded off - May all ailments cease -May no calamities befall me - May I live long in peace.

It is needless to say that the current social circumstances force us to follow a way of life by following positive health habits adhering to the Buddhist way of living.