King Kosala, the ruler in the estate of Kosala during the Buddha’s time, was a fascinating person and close friend of the Buddha. The king was a constant visitor to the Buddha for many purposes, such as to receive his blessings and guidance and just to share a personal view or experience with the Buddha.  TheSutta Pitaka gives many interesting conversations he held with the Buddha.

On one occasion, the king, during one of his visits, disclosed to the Buddha how he, while being alone, reflected on the Buddha’s teaching about good friendship. “It occurred to me that your well-expounded teaching is for the one with good friends, good companions, and good associates,” the king remarked.

After approving the king’s remarks wholeheartedly, the Buddha recalled a past incident.  “When I lived in the town of Nagaraka,” he continued, “[My personal attendant] Ananda approached me and said, ‘Good friendship and companionship contribute to a half of the success in holy life.’”  I replied to him, ‘It is not so, Ananda; it is not so. The entire success in holy life depends on good friendship and companionship.’”

After a further elaboration on what he said, the Buddha addressed the king again and said, “Therefore, great king, you should train yourself like this: ‘I will be one who keeps good friends, good companions, and good associates’”

Samyutta Nikaya 1: 3.18; The Connected Discourses of the Buddha: 180-182

When Saturday April 28^th arrives in North America, millions of people in Asia will be officially celebrating Vesak. In commemoration of the Vesak Poya Day 2018, the Vihara offers a Sila program and a Dhamma talk on  Saturday, April 28th.

Sila program: from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm

Dhamma Deshana: from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm (It is given in Sinhala by Ven. Karamidule Sirirathana Thero.)

(This Dhamma Deshana is sponsored by  Mahesh and Nalika Jayawardena family  in memory of Mr. Jayawardena’s mother who passed away on April 27th, 2006.  They will also offer your dinner at 7:15 pm. The Vihara appreciates their generous sponsorship of this program.)

The actual Vesak ceremony of the Vihara will be held on May 19^thand 20^th. On 19^th, the program begins at 6:30 pm. with the lighting of Vesak lanterns followed by the Puja, chanting, and hymns and dramas by chidren and adults.

Sunday’s program includes Sila observance from the morning, meditation sessions, Pujas, Dana, and afternoon Dhamma talk and discussion.