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The Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
‘Dalai Lama's reincarnation invalid without Chinese govt recognition'
An aerial drone photo, taken on Feb 16, 2025, shows the snow scenery of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Southwest China's Xizang autonomous region. - Photo: Xinhua COLOMBO: The appointment of someone as the Dalai Lama's reincarnation must be recognised by the Chinese government for it to be considered valid, senior Sri Lankan Buddhist monk Maitipe Wimalasara Thero has said. Wimalasara told Xinhua this in an exclusive interview after the Dalai Lama said his office had "sole authority" to name a successor after his death. Wimalasara is a famous Buddhist monk, scholar and educator in Sri Lanka. He is currently the chief incumbent and the director of the Parama Dhamma Chethiya Maha Pirivena, an important Buddhist monastery and a monastic school in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Founded in 1841, it has become a Buddhist education landmark for both laymen and monks, hosting hundreds of student-monks from all over the world. Wimalasara is also the chief of the English section of the World Buddhist Sangha Council, an international non-governmental Buddhism organisation. "I am familiar with the Tibetan Buddhist concept of the Living Buddha, or Tulku," he said. Wimalasara said Tibetan Buddhism is a rich and profound tradition within Mahayana Buddhism, known for its unique practices. In Tibetan Buddhism, the living Buddha, or Tulku, is a highly respected figure believed to be the reincarnation of a previous master who has attained a high-level spiritual realisation, he explained, adding that this system is crucial for maintaining the continuity of Tibetan Buddhist lineages. He stressed that the identification of a Tulku should follow the traditional procedures, and the process must be transparent and respected by the Buddhist community. Additionally, the reincarnation system should serve the greater good of the Buddhist community, preserve the teachings and foster harmony among practitioners. In China, lot-drawing from a golden urn is a method used in Tibetan Buddhism to select the reincarnated soul of a deceased grand living Buddha. This method was formally introduced in 1792 under the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Since then, golden urn lot-drawing has been an established tradition and widely practiced religious ritual. In accordance with the Rules Governing the Reincarnation of Tibetan Living Buddhas, the golden urn method has to be applied in the reincarnation of a living Buddha if his own selection as a living Buddha was determined by this method. Applications to be exempt from such a procedure should be submitted via religious affairs offices at the provincial (or autonomous region) level to the State Administration for Religious Affairs, or in case of an important selection, to the State Council for approval. Ever since the golden urn method was mandated, the selection of reincarnations has always been subject to the supervision by the central government. Only under special circumstances and upon the approval of the central government can the ritual be dispensed with. Wimalasara said the Chinese government is the ultimate authority to recognise the Dalai Lama's reincarnation, "because that was the practice." "While the Dalai Lama is a religious leader, he should recognise that the endorsement is necessary to carry on his mission. We cannot neglect the religious tradition," Wimalasara said. "If we do not have a good relationship with the government, we can't go with the religion," he said. The reincarnation is not just somebody's wish or plan, and it cannot come like that, Wimalasara added. - Xinhua
The Star
12-05-2025
- The Star
Buddhists on a journey of faith and devotion
Spiritual event: Tzu Chi Jing Si Hall in Kuala Lumpur holding a ceremony to prepare for Wesak Day. — Photo from Tzu Chi KL Selangor's Facebook page PETALING JAYA: Preparations for Wesak Day are in full swing, with organisers and devotees putting final touches on what promises to be a vibrant and meaningful celebration. Chempaka Buddhist Lodge president Lawrence Phuah said the highlight of the festival here would be the procession floats with a sitting Buddha, towering about 10ft (3.048m) high. 'It's the biggest so far in our 40 years (since Chempaka Buddhist Lodge was formed). 'We are also expecting to see devotees from all walks of life, including from the Sri Lankan Buddhist community in this year's procession,' he said in an interview. Phuah advised those planning to join the procession to take care of themselves and to be careful on the road. To ensure that no one is left out of the procession, Chempaka Buddhist Lodge will be providing a van for senior citizens, who may not be able to walk long distances. Previously, Bernama reported that around 25,000 devotees are expected to join the Wesak Day float procession, which starts at the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Brickfields today. Ready to go: Volunteer GC Yong making final touches to one of the floats for the Wesak Day procession at the Chempaka Buddhist Lodge, Petaling Jaya. — ART CHEN/The Star Joint Wesak Celebration Committee chairman Ng Yong Pau said the procession, featuring about 30 floats, will start at 6pm from the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Jalan Berhala. It will pass through Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Jalan Petaling, Jalan Yap Ah Loy, Jalan Hang Lekiu, Jalan Gereja and Jalan Raja Chulan. The procession will then return to the temple via Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Jalan Tun Sambanthan and Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad on the same day, completing about a 12km journey in four hours. In Penang, the celebration is expected to attract more than 10,000 Buddhists and visitors. State Wesak Celebration Committee chairman Datuk Dr Loh Hock Hun said his team started preparations for Wesak Day in the past two weeks to ensure everything goes smoothly. Themed 'Foster True Compassion and Wisdom, Forge True Peace and Harmony', this year's celebration in Penang will feature a grand parade today, starting at 6pm, a tradition since 1949.
Khaleej Times
03-04-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Sri Lankan Buddhists offer iftar meals to workers
The Sri Lankan Buddhist community in Dubai upheld its tradition of generosity by distributing 2,500 iftar meals to blue-collar workers in Al Muhaisnah, Dubai, on March 22, 2025. This initiative was organised by Lankaramaya Buddhist Centre in collaboration with Sahana Welfare Association. As a community-driven effort, this meal distribution served as a token of appreciation and was aimed at fostering social harmony and mutual respect among diverse communities during the holy month of Ramadan. Promoting generosity and togetherness Attending the event, Ven Buddhawansa Thero and Ven Ariyawimala Thero of Lankaramaya Buddhist Centre emphasised the importance of such initiatives, stating: "These activities not only foster solidarity and mutual respect among communities but also promote kindness and the spirit of giving, especially during the holy month of Ramadan." The iftar distribution was carried out with the cooperation of Sahana Welfare Association with the approval of the Community Development Authority (CDA) and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD).
