Sri Lankan Embassy in Beijing celebrates Prince Siddhartha’s birth in Mahayana tradition

Following the Mahayana Tradition, the Buddhist Association of China organised the “Buddha Bathing Festival” on 22 May at the Lingguang Temple in Beijing to celebrate the birth of Prince Siddhartha. A number of diplomatic missions, including from Japan, Korea, Nepal, Vietnam, India, Cambodia, Myanmar and Sri Lanka, as well as venerable monks from various Buddhist countries and Chinese Buddhists participated in the event. 

The Buddhist Association of China is a major Chinese Buddhist organisation which serves as the official supervisory body of Buddhism in the People’s Republic of China. The Lingguang Temple in Beijing is considered by the Chinese as the temple where the Lord Buddha’s Tooth Relic is kept.  

A five-member Buddhist delegation attended the event representing Sri Lanka. The delegation was lead by Venerable Wendaruwe Upali Anunayake Thero of the Asgiriya Chapter. Addressing the gathering, Upali Anunayake Thero said that Buddhist celebrations pay an important role in directing people towards a righteous life. Further, he said that development without spiritual advancement will not build a harmonious society.

Sri Lanka's Ambassador in Beijing Dr. Karunasena Kodituwakku and the diplomatic staff also attended the event.