Venerable monks and lay devotees of Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple gather to pay tribute to its abbot, Ven. Sri Saranankara Nayaka Thera.

The Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur was a hive of activities over the last few days as more than 1,000 devotees thronged the vihāra to pay tribute to the Sangha, in particular to its popular Abbot, the Most Venerable Sri Saranankara Nāyaka Thero.

On Saturday 26 October, an evening Bodhi Pūja was performed by the Maha Sangha and laity in honour of Ven. Sri Saranankara, wishing him good health and blessed life for his upcoming birthday.  Sunday 27 October was the temple’s ‘Kathina Day’, whereby the laity offered requisites and felicitations to the Sangha who completed another ‘annual rains retreat’ (Vassana).

Temple Committee Member Bro. A K Nelson representing devotees to present a gift to Ven. Saranankara as a token of their immense appreciation for his tireless efforts to serve the community and to propagate Buddhist values.

On Monday 28 October, despite it being a working day, hundreds of lay followers, many of whom took a special day off from work, visited the temple to offer their respects and a Sanghika Dāna in honour of Ven. Sri Saranankara on his 60th birthday!

Bro. Tan led a team of Nalandians to the temple over 3 days to offer our felicitations as well.  On Monday immediately after the Sanghika Dāna, Bro. Tan was honoured to be invited to give a speech to fete the occasion.  In his brief sharing, Bro. Tan lauded Ven. Sri Saranankara for having the qualities of a ‘true bhikkhu’.  The Venerable has great compassion for people, and almost never turned down any requests for help.

Let us remember the good deeds done by the Venerable for the community of monks and laity, both great and small, and dedicate our metta-karunā to his well-being and happiness.  Let us all be grateful that such an inspiring monk as Ven. Sri Saranankara lives amongst us!  Maha Sadhu!