Katina Ceremony 2018
The Kathina Ceremony 2018 of Leeds Buddhist Vihara was held on Sunday the 04th November amidst a large gathering of devotees from the North of England, under the guidance of the Head Monk of both Ketumati and Leeds Buddhist Vihara, the Most Ven. Pidiville Piyathissa Maha Thero. This Kathina was sponsored by Buddhist Families living in Yorkshire area. The ceremony was attended by 8 Buddhist monks from Ketumati Buddhist Vihara, Leicester Buddhist Vihara and Letchworth Buddhist Vihara.
The ceremony started with a Kathina procession organized by the students, teachers and the parents of the Leeds Buddhist Vihara Dhamma School together with other devotees.
Buddha Puja was offered to commence the event inside a hall decorated for the purpose with Buddhist flags and other artefacts. Under the guidance of the Head Monk, Ven. Galpotayaye Pemananda Thero welcomed the devotees to the event. Ven. Demunnewe Upali Thero administrated five precepts (Pansil) at 10.45am. Offering of Sangha Dana was conducted by Kuruduwatte Ghanasiri Thero and monks were served with Dana by the Dayaka members.
All devotees were given refreshments at this time.
Most Ven. Pidiwille Piyatissa Maha Thero started the second session with a speech on the need for Leeds Buddhist Vihara to move in to its own property. A presentation followed which highlighted the benefits to devotees of having a property owned by the Trust and how devotees can help realise this dream.
Certificates were presented by Most Ven.Dediyawala Vimala Thero to the first batch of students to complete the 3 year course of Buddhist studies at Leeds Dhamma School. The Kathina Cheevara was offered to Maha Sanga by Devotees living in Yorkshire which was accepted by Ven. Kaluaggala Saranasiri Thero.
Most Ven. Vimala Thero and Ven. Sooriyawewe Kusala Thero from Letchworth Buddhist Vihara conducted a Sinhala Dhamma Sermons followed by an English Dhamma Sermon by Most Ven. Pidiwille Piyatissa Maha Thero.
The programme concluded around 1.45pm with lunch served to all devotees.