Matara is one of the three districts in Southern Sri Lanka, that was ruled by Portuguese and Dutch in 16th and 18th century. The town is 160km away from the national capital Colombo linked by a 126km long express highway funded by Chinese Government. It was greatly affected by 2004 Tsunami. Though Portuguese Fort at Galle is a touristic destination, majority of its 2 1/2 million inhabitants living within the districts are farmers and fishermen. Early 2015, we were invited by a local born monk to participate in an auspicious and meritorious Maha Dana ceremony held at one of its local Buddhist Temple. Maha means great or grand and Dana means giving in Sanskrit. It includes meals, robes and requisites offering to 100 monks plus, books and stationery to 300 students. The event was sponsored by a Mahayana Temple from USA.
Buddhists believe that giving without seeking anything in return leads to greater spiritual wealth. In Hinduism, Dana is a form of good karma that affects one's future life, living circumstances and environments. Jainism considered Dana as an act of compassion. It is a virtue and duty that should be developed with no desire for material gain.
Performers in tradition colorful costumes began the ceremony with all kind of old musical instruments.
Welcoming the senior monks.
Monks lining up ready to parade to the hall to receive the Dana.
Our future Dharma Masters.
The parade began.
The Buddha Relic was carried on the head of a Dharma worker and led by the band of typical musical performers.
Sincere lay devotees followed behind the monks.
Cleaning the feet for senior monks before they entered into the hall, was believed to be a great meritorious deed !
The Hall that catered for more than hundred people.
All Sangka members were seated, ready to receive Dana.
Opening speech by Bhante Wahjira who initiated this auspicious deed.
Puja, making offering to Buddha.
Meal offering to Sangha members began.
Handmade yogurt, rice and local green and fresh leaf are three of the main food offering items.
Robe offering
The group of Mahayana Buddhist devotees who came from USA to sponsor this auspicious event. Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu!
Saddhu to Bhante Wahjira who offered us such a blessing opportunity to participate in this meritorious deed.
Paying homage to Buddha Relic before it was carried back to the temple hall.
The ceremony of Maha Dana to 100 monks ended at noon.
The serious and mature young sami.
The living quarter of sangha members.
Donations to 300 students were made after lunch.
Teachers and students representative to receive the donations.
The bright young kids.
The future leaders of Sri Lanka.
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