On May 25, 2024, the Universal Wisdom Foundation Inc. and the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Philippines celebrated Vesak, an event orchestrated with the help of His Excellency Chanaka Talpahewa, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Philippines. The day was celebrated with the exposition and enshrinement of the sacred Shakyamuni Buddha relics, circumambulation, Buddha bathing, lighting of candles, and chanting. Multiple dignitaries, venerable monks, ambassadors, and representatives of different Buddhist temples attended the event alongside other guests.
The relics were brought to Wisdom Park thanks to the unwavering support and efforts of H.E. Nawalage Bennet Cooray, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the State of Palestine and former ambassador to the Philippines. The relics, generously donated by Ven. Gothatuwe Indrakiththi Thero of Senevi Arana Senasanaya was inherited from his father, the late Deputy Commissioner of Archaeology of Sri Lanka, Prof. S.M. Seneviratne, 40 years ago. His generous donation to the foundation bridges a stronger relationship between Sri Lanka and the Philippines and helps Wisdom Park in its endeavors to share the Buddha’s teaching in the Philippines.
The celebration commenced when the relics arrived at Wisdom Park escorted by H.E. Nawalage Bennet Cooray, Sri Lankan General Lanka Amarapala, Sri Lankan Deputy Police Chief Dhammika Weerasekara and Dr. Mariano S. Yupitun. Upon their arrival, the relics were handed to H.E. Chanaka Talpahewa, and UWFI President Harish Athauda, who led the circumambulation under the Bodhi tree and the stupa. After that, the guests proceeded to Buddha bathing and lighting the candles.
Once the relics were settled on the main altar, the guests began to listen to the welcoming remarks of Mr. Harish Athauda, UWFI President. Then, Wisdom Park’s Filipino-Thai resident monks, Ven. Ratthapalo and Ven. Sukka Dhammo chanted Pali mantras and sutras. After this, each of the guests then offered flowers and bowed in reverence before the Buddha relic. Following this, Wisdom Park’s resident Tibetan monk, Lama Damdul, also welcomed the Buddha’s relic by commemorating a prayer.
The formal enshrinement ceremony of the Buddha relics took place on the third floor Theravada Altar of Wisdom Park, led by Master Puxue of the Philippine Chinese Buddhist Association and representatives from Mahayana Buddhist temples in Manila. Together, they led the chanting of the Great Compassion Mantra before the enshrinement took place. The two Theravada monks, Ven. Ratthapalo and Ven. Sukka Dhammo then assisted the enshrinement together with Dr. Mariano Yupitun, UWFI Founder.
After that, the guests enjoyed the evening as the second part of the program took place at Wisdom Park’s multimedia chamber. H. E. Chanaka Talpahewa, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Philippines delivered an insightful talk on the Buddha's teachings, Vesak's significance, and the relic's arrival in the Philippines. Following this was the introduction of the sacred relics by H. E. Nawalage Bennet Cooray, Ven. Ratthapalo and Ven. Sukka Dhammo then led a prayer to bless the food for the evening.
Certificates of recognition were presented to H.E. Dr. Chanaka Harsha Talpahewa, Ven. Gothatuwe Indrakiththi Thero (received by Sri Lankan General Lanka Amarapala, and Sri Lankan Deputy Police Chief Dhammika Weerasekara), H.E. Nawalage Bennet Cooray, and Mr. Harish Ananda Athauda. The foundation and the Sri Lankan Embassy also gave tokens of appreciation, including a Bodhi leaf and a small Shakyamuni Buddha statue, to the guests.
As the evening slowly came to an end, Mr. Mark Anson Yupitun, a UWFI Board of Trustee, delivered the first set of closing remarks, followed by Dr. Mariano S. Yupitun, the Founder of UWFI. They expressed their heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the successful and memorable Vesak celebration. The event concluded with a dedication of merit by Corrine Adiaton, UWFI Administrator, honoring all efforts made and dedicating the positive energy generated to the well-being and enlightenment of all sentient beings.
Vesak 2024 is truly a memorable and profound event. With the combined efforts of distinguished venerable monks from Seng Guan Temple, Hwa Chong Temple, Guanyin Temple, Hae In Temple, Fo Guang Shan, UWFI resident monks, ambassadors, the Sri Lankan Embassy, Tzu Chi Foundation, Philippine Amitabha Buddhist Association, the celebration was successful. This event not only marks the auspicious day of the Buddha but also the growing Buddhist community in the Philippines that Wisdom Park wishes to do - to share the dharma.