Good morning, my dear friends. I'm here today to take part in the Steem for Better Life Community contest hosted by @damithudaya. Cultural aspects, as you are all aware, have a special significance for every citizen of the world. It helps them feel like they have a sense of identity, belonging, and community. It connects them to their ancestors, roots, and history, instilling pride in them. Keeping these traditions alive helps to keep a connection to cultural history alive, ensuring that these valuable customs do not fade away over time.
I recently had the opportunity to perform three services to the Ruwanweli Maha Seya: evening Buddhapuja, morning milk rice puja, and afternoon Muruthan Puja. Ruwanweli Maha Seya is one of the magnificent stupas in Anuradhapura built by King Dutugamunu. This stupa houses a Dona of the Buddha's relics. This Dona of the Buddha's relics is regarded as the living Lord Buddha and performs daily rituals known as Theva by Buddhists. It consists of three services: early morning, evening, and mid-day. It also includes Hewisi Puja, a traditional sound offering. These Theva were carried out by the Thero appointed in charge of Theva on behalf of the Maha Nayaka Thero. Any devotee can contribute to this service by paying money and reserving a date. As my sister got the opportunity to contribute to the Theva Service on October 10 and 11, I too was able to participate in this cultural custom.
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Theva timetable
| Theva | Time duration |
|---|---|
| Evening service | 5.00 p.m. – 7.00 p.m. |
| Morning service | 5.30 a.m. – 7.30 a.m. |
| Mid-day service | 9.30 a.m. – 11.30 a.m. |
We performed it with great devotion, considering that it was offered to the living Load Buddha. The food, which was prepared cleanly by a very special team, is carried through a procession that includes Hewisi, the Buddhist flag, and Pearl Umbrellas and offered to Ruwanweli Dagaba, amidst the sermon of Pirith by a special monk. The most fascinating aspect of this puja is that it was performed silently and with devotion by everyone dressed in white, covering their mouth and head with white clothes.
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Our hearts were filled with devotion, considering that we worship the living, Lord Buddha.
Yes, I believe that living in a multicultural society can be a positive experience for many people and communities. People can promote tolerance, understanding, and acceptance by embracing different cultures. It can lead to a broader perspective, encouraging people to learn from one another and appreciate different cultural traditions, languages, and lifestyles. Furthermore, multicultural societies frequently promote creativity and innovation through the exchange of ideas from various cultural backgrounds.
Here is my entry for the contest; I'd like to invite @dove11, @enamul17, and @wilmer1988 to participate in this contest.
10% to @worldsmile.