The second phase of the Pāli and Sanskrit International Bhikkhu Exchange Programme unfolded in May 2023 in Sri Lanka, hosting thirty monks from Tibet (India), Thailand, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. Spanning from May 2nd to May 17th, the program comprised a comprehensive agenda of academic studies and an enlightening field trip.
The inauguration ceremony, held on May 3rd at Vaskaduwa Rājaguru Sri Subhūti Temple, was graced by the presence of the Most Venerable Dr. Mahindawansa Thero, Mahā Nāyaka Thero of the Sri Śāsanōdaya Sangha Sabhā of Sri Lanka Amarapura Nikāya. Distinguished attendees included the General Registrar of Sri Lanka Amarapura Mahā Sangha Sabhā, Acting Mahā Nāyaka of Sri Lanka Amarapura Vajiravamsa Chapter, Chief Sanghanāyaka of Russia (Thēravāda), Vishva Sāhitya Bhāshā Vishārada, Saddharma Kīrti Sri Vajiravam̥śālam̥kāra Saddharmābhivruddhi Jōtaka Pandita Darshana Vishārada Det̥u Katuvara, and Most Venerable Professor Pallekande Ratanasāra Thero. The ceremony brought together a multitude of revered Buddhist monks in a harmonious celebration of knowledge exchange and spiritual enrichment.
Distinguished figures in attendance included Prof. Chandima Wijebandara, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Mrs. Winnie Enge, Chairman of the Tibetan Buddhist Centre in Singapore representing foreign dignitaries, Dr. Damenda Porage, Chairman of the Foundation for Buddhist Brotherhood, and Dr. Shermila Milroy, representing the event’s host. The Bhikkhu Exchange Programme, inaugurated under the visionary guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, serves the paramount objective of fostering mutual understanding among diverse Buddhist traditions-a timely and crucial endeavor. The organizing committee, lauded by the blessings of all Mahā Nāyaka and Anunāyaka Buddhist monks, dedicated immense effort and resources to ensure the resounding success of the event.
Series of Academic Lectures
The Pāli and Sanskrit International Bhikkhu Exchange Programme featured seven enlightening academic lectures. These sessions facilitated comparative discussions on various profound topics, emphasizing the shared aspects among diverse Buddhist traditions. The culmination of the academic program revealed striking similarities between the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and the Thēravāda tradition, fostering deep understanding and enhancing Buddhist brotherhood. This pioneering effort, aimed at appreciating similarities, fostering religious harmony, and forging a united Buddhist world, represents a significant milestone in inter-traditional understanding.
Held at the Ranminithanna Tele Cinema Village premises, the academic discussions were presided over by Prof. Chandima Wijebandara, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayawardenepura, and Dr. Shermila Misroy. The success of this discourse series was made possible by the valuable contributions of Prof. K.B. Jayawardhana, Head of the Department of Sanskrit and Eastern Studies at the University of Kelaniya, and Dr. Chaminda G. Gamage. The inaugural discussion explored the origins of Buddhist traditions, focusing on the existing literary evidence in Pāli and Sanskrit and examining contradictory features.
Subsequent discussions delved into topics such as evidence and ideologies regarding Early Buddhism, the interpretation of the mind in Thēravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna traditions, Buddhist rites and rituals, the Bōdhisattva concept, the history of the Buddhist order in Sri Lanka, and the role of laypeople across various traditions. This comprehensive approach successfully concluded the academic program, contributing to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse facets of Buddhism.
Field Trip
Embarking on a field trip following the series of academic studies, the participating Buddhist monks immersed themselves in the sacred sites of Tissamahārāma, Kandy, Anuradhapura, and more. This journey provided a unique opportunity for the monks to translate their academic knowledge into practical understanding, offering insights into Sri Lanka’s architectural techniques, city planning methods, technical skills, irrigation technology, and artistic traditions of the bygone era.
The culmination of this transformative program took place on May 16th at the Ruwanwelisa premises, marked by a closing ceremony graced by the Chief Incumbent of Ruwanweliseya, Most Venerable Ethalawetunawewe Gnanathilaka Thero, and the Anunayaka Thero of the Ambagahapitiya Chapter of the Amarapura Mahā Nikāya of Sri Lanka, Most Venerable Dr. Madampāgama Assaji Thero. Certificates were bestowed upon the participants as a token of appreciation during the closing ceremony, concluding this International Bhikkhu Exchange Programme on a note of shared learning and cultural exchange. Subsequently, on May 17th, the monks set forth for Thailand, marking the commencement of the third phase of the exchange.
The contribution of Mahā Nāyaka Theros including Mahā Nāyake of the Malwatu Mahā Viahāra Chapter of Syāmōpāli Mahā Nikāya, Most Venerable Thibbatuwāwe Sri Siddhārtha Sumangalābhidhāna Mahā Thero, Mahā Nāyaka of the Asgiri Viahara Chapter of Syāmōpāli Mahā Nikāya, Most Venerable Dr Warakagoda Dhammasiddhi Gri Gnanaratana Mahā Nāyaka Thero, Aggamaha Pandita Most Venerable Makulawe Wimala Mahā Nāyaka Thero of Ramanna Mahā Nikāya of Sri Lanka, Anunayaka of the Malwatu Maha Vihara Chapter of Syamopali Mahā Nikāya, Most Venerable Dr Niyangoda Vijitasiri Anunahimi, Mahā Nāyaka Thero of the Sri Śāsanōdaya Sangha Sabhā of Sri Lanka Amarapura Nikāya, Most Venerable Dr Mahindawansa Thero, Acting Maha Nayaka of Vajiravansha Chapter of Amarapura Maha Nikaya of Sri Lanka, Most Venerable Prof. Pallekande Ratanasara Thero, Atamasthanadhipati, Most Venerable Pallegama Hemaratana Nayaka Thero, General Registrar of Amarapura Dharmarakshitha Maha Nikaya of Sri Lanka, Most Venerable Kitalagama Hemasara Anunayaka Thero, Anunayaka of Ambagahapitiya Chapter of Amarapura Maha Nikaya of Sri Lanka, Most Venerable Dr Madampagama Assaji Thero, Chief Incumbent of Ruwanweli Maha Saya, Most Venerable Ethalawetunawewe Gnanatilaka Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of Kotikagoda Raja Maha Viharaya, Most Venerable Hakmaka Dhammaratana Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of Walgama Bodhirukkharama Viharaya, Most Venerable Vilpita Sudhammalankara Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of Kotte Sunethraramaya, Most Venerable Alikewala Seelananda Thero, Chief Incumbent of Tissamaharama Viharaya, Most Venerable Dr Pallegama Dhammasena Nayaka Thero, Kataragama Abhinavaramadhipati Most Venerable Kapugama Saranatissa Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of Jetavanaramaya, Most Venerable Ihala Halmillawe Ratanapala Nayaka Thero, Asgiri Maha Parivenadhipati, Most Venerable Naranpanawe Ananda Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of Alayapattuwa Sri Sadaham Viaharaya, Most Venerable Mitiyagoda Ariyaratana Nahimi, Deputy Piriven Director of Asgiri Maha Pirivena, Most Venerable Handaganawe Wimaladhamma Thero, Most Venerable Pahalatalawe Sumanasiri Thero of Sri Maha Bodhi Uda Maluwa Maha Viharaya, and the contribution of laymen including the incumbent Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Basnayaka Nilame of Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devale, Mr Dishan Gunasekara, Deputy Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka Navy, Rear Admiral Jayantha Kularathna, Lieutenant Commander Mr. U.S.Y.A.N.S. Yapa, and Director General of Ranminithanna Tele Cinema Village, Mr. Somasiri Ekanayaka, is mentioned here with utmost respect.
It is a tremendous honor to have played a pivotal role through the Foundation for Buddhist Brotherhood in orchestrating the second phase of the International Bhikkhu Exchange Programme in Sri Lanka in 2023, a continuation from its inception in Bodh Gaya in 2022.
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