Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said the middle path shown by the Buddha is very attractive to Europeans and other Westerners. Educated Europeans are also highly appreciative of the Buddha’s openness for scrutiny and the ’come and see for yourself’ attitude of Buddhism. They are not asked to believe in anything, but to follow the Buddha’s advice of testing ideas first, he said.
The Prime Mister made this remark at the centenary celebration of the Berlin Buddhist Vihara in Germany held at the Temple Trees in Colombo today (August 3).
“Sri Lanka a natural centre of east and west with Pali Sanskrit scholars was treasure trove. But the real crown jewel was the Theravada practice in Sri Lanka. State of Sri Lanka consider its foremost duty and responsibility to foster the Buddhasana”, he said, assuring fullest support to the activities of Berlin Buddhist Vihara to propagate Buddhism in Europe.
Secretary of the German Dhammaduta Society, Senaka Weeraratna recalled that initiative to build the Berlin Vihara was taken by the well-known Buddhist scholar Dr Paul Dahlke, who acquired a plot of 11 acres of land in the Berlin suburb of Frohnau in 1919 and proceeded to construct ’Das Buddhistische Haus, ’ which was completed in 1924.
German Ambassador Dr Felix Neumann said the Berlin Vihara is an excellent testimony for the strength of multi-cultural, multi-religious tolerance of German society. He said German society is committed to the policy of furthering compassion and loving kindness, which are in the teachings of the Buddha.
A book, “100 Years of Das Buddhistiche Haus in Berlin’ was launched at the ceremony. On this occasion a special stamp and a fist day cover was also issued by the Postal Department.
Ven Panadure Chandaratana Thera of Mitirigala Nissarana Vanya, Ven Olande Ananda Thera and President of German Dharmaduta Society, Sarda Abeyratne also spokes at this event.
The Mahasangha, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Aeywardene, State Minister Ashoka Priyantha and Dr Surendra Raghavan, Governor A J M Musammil, MPs Madura Vithanage, A H M Fouzie and Yadamini Gunawardena, diplomats, academics, teachers and students also took part in this event.
Prime Minister’s Media