Ven. Sri Saranankara placing the palm-leaf manuscript representing the Dhamma Jewel on its stand.

The Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha are collectively known in Buddhism as the ‘Three Jewels’ (Pāli, “Tiratanā”).  They are also regarded by Buddhist adherents as our ‘Three Refuges’ (Pāli, “Tisaranā”).  Buddhists revere these ‘Three Jewels’ with the highest esteem – the ‘Buddha’ is our Enlightened Teacher; the ‘Dhamma’ He taught is the Path to Liberation; and the ‘Ariya Sangha’ is the community of His Enlightened disciples.  This community comprises spiritually-developed followers who attained any of the four stages of sainthood.

The special procession passing in front of Nalanda Centre.

On 31 August, three objects of veneration representing the ‘Three Jewels’ were brought out for a special procession to mark the 10th anniversary of Venerable K. Sri Dhammananda’s passing.  The objects of veneration included a Bone Relic of the Buddha (“Ṥarira”); a bound copy of palm-leaf manuscript representing the Dhamma Jewel; and the robe of the late Ven. Dhammananda representing the Sangha Jewel.

Achariya Vijaya had the honour of conveying the Buddha-Relic and leading the procession.

The three exemplary Nalandians who were given the honour of conveying the objects of veneration, arrived in the Shrine Hall of Nalanda Centre.

Ven. Sri Saranankara and Bro. Tan unveiling the Buddha-Relic Casket.

The robe of the late Ven. K. Sri Dhammananda was also laid at its place.

The Abbot of Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple Ven. Sri Saranankara Nāyaka Thero presided over the morning ceremony.  Ven. Saranankara placed the objects of veneration at the Main Altar in Nalanda Centre to commence the Memorial Service, followed by Dhamma teachings, chanting, Sanghika Dāna, and Dedication of Merits.  Namo Buddhaya!