Sati Pirivena at Diyakalamulla Sripathi Pirivena, Kuliyapitiya

A Sati Pirivena programme was conducted to young Bhikkus at Diyakalamulla Sripathi Pirivena, Kuliyapitiya on 23rd July 2018 from 2.30 pm to 6.00 pm. Ven Soorakkulame Pemaratana Thero, who is a senior Bhikku  in Pirivena & also the Chief Abbot of Pittsburgh Buddhist Centre USA, had requested Ven Dhammajiva Thero to organize a Sati Pirivena session. About twenty five young Bhikkus from ages 8-18 participated along with six lay people (all males). Bhante Pemaratana opened the program by a Buddha Vandana and with a welcome speech. Ven Dhammakusala Thero from Nissarana Vanaya conducted the program. Mindful walking & sitting, as well as mindful eating & listening were practiced. The eye catching videos were presented which carried very meaningful messages to the participants. After a short break for “Gilan pasa”, Q&A session was held.

Ven Dhammakusala Thero’s presentation and guidance was greatly appreciated by everyone. Everybody seemed to be “Slow-Mindful-Silent” during the whole program. All Bhikkus gave inspiring feedback. Bhante Pemaratana’s participation from the start to the end along with the young Bhikkus, was something that should be highlighted. Bhante gave a very sensational appreciation to Ven Udairiyagama Dhammajiva Thero for organizing this valuable program with very short notice and thanked Ven Dhammakusala Thero for awakening their lives to Sati. Bhante Pemaratana very kindly requested Ven Dhammakusala thero to continue this until a group of facilitators from the Pirivena itself was established. Mrs. Irene Subasinghe who is in Kuliyapitiya volunteered with the coordination.

At the end, Bhante introduced the Principal of the adjoining school & the Manager of the adjoining two Childrens’ Homes to Mrs. Irene and requested similar sessions to be held in near future.