Embassy of India, Phnom Penh in collaboration with International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) celebrated the ‘Ashadha Purnima’, Dhamma Chakra Pravattana Divas, the second most sacred day of observance for Buddhists worldwide on July 3.
H.E. Ms. Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India to Cambodia, Venerable Choun Savoeurn, Vice Reactor, Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University and Dr. Venerable Dith Virak, Assistant Secretary of State and Dean, Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University, Phnom Penh inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp and paying floral obeisance to Lord Buddha. This followed chanting of Buddhist prayers by monks and recitation of ‘Mangalacharan’.
Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade highlighted the significance of the ‘Asadha Purnima’ when Lord Buddha blessed the world with his first sermon after attaining Enlightenment to the first five ascetic disciples (pañcavargiya) on the full-moon day of Ashadha and set the wheel of Dharma in motion at Sarnath, in Varanasi, India. She noted the significance of celebrations of ‘Asadha Purnima’ also observed for paying gratitude to gurus and teachers.
The Guest of Honor Ven. CHOUN Savoeurn, Vice Reactor, Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University in his speech added the importance of Dhammachakka Pavarttan and rainy session retreat. Noting traditional cultural and religious ties between Cambodia and India, Venerable attributed ‘Ashadha Purnima’ to be also a sacred day to celebrate the teacher-student relationship in pursuit of knowledge and spiritual growth.
The event concluded with vote of thanks, chanting of Buddhist hymns and offerings to Venerable monks and serving of tea/snacks for other participants.
Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse