The Universal Wisdom Foundation Inc. (UWFI) and the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Philippines commemorated Vesak on May 25, 2024 at Wisdom Park in Quezon City.
Sri Lanka Ambassador to the Philippines Chanaka Talpahewa honored the event with his presence. The celebration, organized by UWFI founder Mariano Yupitun and president Ananda Harish together with program director Corrine Adiaton, was also attended by dignitaries, venerable monks, ambassadors and representatives from various Buddhist temples.
The day featured a series of significant activities including the exposition and enshrinement of sacred Shakyamuni Buddha relics, circumambulation, Buddha bathing, lighting of candles and chanting.
The revered relics were brought to Wisdom Park through the support of Sri Lanka Ambassador to the State of Palestine Nawalage Bennet Cooray, who is also a former ambassador to the Philippines. The relics were a donation from Ven. Gothatuwe Indrakiththi Thero of Senevi Arana Senasanaya, inherited from his father, the late deputy commissioner of archaeology of Sri Lanka, Prof. S.M. Seneviratne, 40 years ago.
“This donation strengthens the relationship between Sri Lanka and the Philippines and supports Wisdom Park’s mission to disseminate the Buddha’s teachings in the Philippines.” UWFI said.
The formal enshrinement ceremony of the Buddha relics was conducted at the Theravada Altar on the third floor of Wisdom Park, led by Master Puxue of the Philippine Chinese Buddhist Association and representatives from Mahayana Buddhist temples in Manila.
The Great Compassion Mantra was chanted before the enshrinement, with assistance from two Theravada monks, Ven. Ratthapalo and Ven. Sukka Dhammo, alongside Dr. Mariano Yupitun, UWFI founder.
Ambassador Talpahewa delivered an insightful discourse on the teachings of the Buddha, the significance of Vesak and the relics’ arrival in the Philippines.
The event also featured a cultural performance by Adamson University, showcasing traditional Philippine National Dances such as Sinakiki, Aray, Karatong, Lapay and Tinikling.
The Sri Lankan Embassy performed a rendition of Bakthi Gee, a series of devotional songs dedicated to the Buddha.
The celebration was made possible by the combined efforts of distinguished venerable monks from Seng Guan Temple, Hwa Chong Temple, Guanyin Temple, Hae In Temple, Fo Guang Shan Temple, UWFI resident monks, ambassadors, the Sri Lankan Embassy, Tzu Chi Foundation and the Philippine Amitabha Buddhist Association.