Mindfulness Program Held in Conjunction with National Vesak Festival “Buddha Rashmi”
A mindfulness program organized by the Presidential Secretariat, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Ministry of Education as part of the national Vesak festival “Buddha Rashmi” took place this morning (20) at Independence Square in Colombo. The event aimed to instil mindfulness in the current generation.
The program was held under the guidance of Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, the Viharadhikari of the Gangaramaya Maha Viharaya, and directions of Secretary to the President Mr. Saman Ekanayake. The program was attended by approximately 500 participants, including school children, university students, and representatives from international schools and technical colleges in the Colombo district.
Venerable Meethirigala Aranya Senasanavasi Venerable Homagama Dhammakusala Thero conducted practical exercises on the growth of “satimath” (mindfulness).
During his special admonition, Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero emphasized that the future of the country depends on the younger generation and highlighted the importance of knowledge, education, skills and abilities in shaping the nation’s future.
The Venerable thero expressed his gratitude to the organizers for creating a program crucial for nurturing a disciplined and talented generation.
In his speech, Ven. Kirinde Assaji Thero reflected on a program he attended in 2002 at Georgetown University, USA, which focused on religious diversity.
A large number of scholars representing various religions from around the world participated in the event. One scholar remarked:
“In a few decades, the future of the world may shift to a different dimension. The increase in the world population is natural, but the resources available will not increase proportionally. They are gradually decreasing.”
There is great interest in the distribution of limited resources among the ever-growing population. People work hard to become deserving of these resources, resulting in intense competition. As competition increases, human actions often take a divergent path, leading us to lose more than we gain. The first casualty in this race is humanity itself.
A society devoid of humanity is futile. In such relentless competition, it is inevitable that people will become like machines, stressed by the loss of freedom and mental distress. When faced with this situation, people often seek solace which is mindfulness.
This observation aligns with a part of the Buddha’s sermon. We can achieve mental and physical wellness through mindfulness and right actions. Happiness is attainable, but for Buddhists who strive for Nirvana, which is spiritual liberation, more than just temporary happiness is needed. Today’s program aims to teach these principles to children who will shape the future of our country. The benefits of integrating mindfulness training into their lives will undoubtedly impact the future of the nation.
The event was attended by the chief incumbent of Narahenpita Abhayarama, the Chancellor of the University of Colombo Venerable Murutthettuwe Ananda Thero, the Maha Sangha, Secretary of the Ministry of Buddhasashana and Religious Affairs Somarathne Vidana Pathirana, Additional Secretary of the Presidential Secretariat Kamal Pushpakumara, and other officials.
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