The opportunity arose today to participate in a ‘Puja’ ceremony; a traditional Buddhist form of worship.The Gandarawatte temple, with its towering statue of the Buddha, was opened and we made an offering of food, flowers, (to remind one of universal impermanence), water, incense, and a coconut oil lamp (the light of which is symbolic of enlightenment), to the Buddha.
After this we and the pre school children who had joined us were led in a Sinhalese chant in which we took refuge in the Three Gems – Buddha, Dharma and Sangha – and pledged to follow the five precepts – abstinence from killing, stealing, misusing sensual pleasures, false speech and intoxicants. Finally, we had white threads tied around our right wrists that we were told are symbolic of the blessing of the Three Gems. We were delighted to be given this special insight into the Buddhist culture that surrounds us here, and we know that our bond with the village has been strengthened by the experience.