TSV BUDDHA JAYANTI 2023 – तमु समाज भिक्टोरिया बुद्ध जयन्ती २०२३

Date : May 21, 2023

Posted By : Admin

Event Description :

Buddha Jayanti 2023 AD (2567th Siddharth Gautam Buddha’s Birthday) was celebrated by Tamu Samaj Victoria (Australia) community from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday 13 May 2023 at Quang Duc Buddhist Monastery (Vietnamese Community led), Fawkner. This is the second year we were kindly provided the venue to allow more than 200+ participants and their families across Victoria come together to mark the occasion.

 

TSV community resident Sanga Lama Inder Bahadur Gurung presided over the event. The spiritual part started by offering incense/flowers to Buddha while praying/chanting of बुध्दम् शरणम गच्छामी – धममम् शरणम् गच्छामी – संघम शरणम गच्छामी (“Buddham Saranam Gachhami – Dhammum Saranam Gachhami – Sangam Saranam Gachhami” which has a literal meaning of “I take refuge to Buddha – Take refuge to Religion/Spirituality – Take refuge to Monastery”. Sange lama then read “sutras” and guided a series of short episodes of inter-connected prayers for well-being of all the living beings. The attendees had opportunity to immerse and reflect on the Buddhist wisdom while assisting the lama on the prayers. We together prayed for all of us – family, friends, everyone around – and lit 108 oil candles (बत्ती). Sange Lama also gave a talk around Buddha wisdom, ways to balance modern lives with the teachings, Gurung cultural heritage and tradition, etc.

 

After the lunch of vegetarian food/drinks prepared by TSV Mothers Team, a couple of regular activities was held. The popular activity among the young children has been drawing and coloring competition which was led by Niban Gurung and Nishta Gurung. Many enthusiastically showcased their talents in drawing and coloring. We also had youth speech competition along with Panel discussion on “Buddha Teachings in Real Life”. Founding TSV President Min Prasad Gurung, Sange Lama Inder Bahadur Gurung and TSV Cultural Centre Coordinator Dr Arun Kumar Gurung participated in the panel discussion – we got some good discussion on Parent-Children relationship management, and Cultural Identity perseverance in modern times.

 

Finally, the prize/souvenir/Dakshina distribution and concluding remarks with a thank you note from TSV President Tej Bahadur Gurung ended the official program. A very special thanks goes to the venue provider – Quang Duc Buddhist Monastery, in-charge Master Tang, for their kindness and generosity.

 

The event coordinator was TSV Advisor Ashok Gurung assisted by many Exeuctives, Advisors, Board members, Mothers team members and other TSV volunteers. Laxman Gurung, Merina Gurung and Mohini Gurung served as the event MCs. Photography was handled by Archan Gurung and Divya Gurung. Dr Parbati Gurung was the onsite first-aid officer. Venue setup, decoration and pack up needed many volunteers – Rajan Gurung (and Sahila Bhai), Amrit Gurung, Santosh Gurung, Sagun Gurung, Mabi Gurung, Nabindra Gurung, Ashok Gurung, Inder Singh Gurung, Kalpana Gurung, Saiphin Phikulthong Gurung, Anita Gurung and many more including younger generation.  The great sign is the many more youths coming forward to really contribute to the success of the event.

 

Lastly we would like to thank everyone for taking time to come over and reflect together as community to continue the journey to be a better person/citizen. As always, please reach out to one of executive members for any comments/advice.

 

Thank you
Tamu Samaj Victoria (Australia)