A Promising Meeting!

On the cusp of Vesak (Vesākha) Full-moon Poya Day (23rd of May 2024), yesterday, I was delighted to meet His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Imam Monawar Hussain (MBE, DL, FRSA, MCCT), to discuss the noble mission carried out by the Oxford Buddhist Society; it was a moment of expanding the horizon of our core theme, ‘Nisammakārī’ (A disciplined mind brings you wisdom); this paved the way for myself to introduce mindfulness meditation (calm and insight) and other close-knit contemplative practices and discussions - that we hold yearning for the growth of personal and societal well-being. By all means, our mindful mission was highly regarded as a means of thriving on the quality of human life - besides the hustle and bustle of everyday living!

As a greater outcome of this spiritual meeting, I was introduced to His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Mrs Moira Darlington (Oxon), who is chairing the Committee for East Oxford. We have now been invited to conduct mindfulness meditation sessions and scholarly discussions amidst other faith groups and citizens of Oxford in the near future. The Oxford Buddhist Society is now in harness with the Oxfordshire Lieutenancy - with the ultimate aim of bringing a light of peace and wisdom to this living society out of compassion and loving-kindness.

In all, this gave me a profound sense of joy on the eve of the Buddha Day 2567, wherein we will reflect upon the birth, supreme enlightenment, and passing away of Gotama Buddha tomorrow. I, thereby, believe that such mindfulness practices can accommodate the whole nation, and sustain human lives in the soil of good health, fortune, and spirits for today and always. We would, therefore, invite you all to take this opportunity to join us on this mindful pilgrimage in service of your own spirituality and humanity!

Thank you!

With mettā,

Rev Wadigala Samitharathana