The London Buddhist Vihara has held a blessings ceremony on behalf of Buddhists in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Buddhist monks from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tibet and Japan led by the Chief Sanghanayake of Great Britain Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala participated at the ceremony on 27 May. Master of the Household, Buckingham Palace Vice Admiral Sir Anthony Johnstone-Burt, represented the Queen at the ceremony.
In his speech, Sir Anthony remembered how The Queen has always emphasised the importance of treating people with kindness, which is in keeping with the teachings of the Buddha.
The ceremony was also attended by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner Saroja Sirisena, the President of the Buddhist Society of Dr. Desmond Biddulph, and several other invitees.
Founded by Anagarika Dharmapala in 1926, the London Buddhist Vihara is one of the main Theravada Buddhist temples in the United Kingdom and the first Sri Lankan Buddhist monastery established outside of Asia.
Learn More: The London Buddhist Vihara
Commonwealth Business Communications is pleased to present our latest publication in recognition of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and her role as Head of the Commonwealth over the last 70 years.
Download the publication for free here: Queen & Commonwealth: Celebrating Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.