TOGETHER: The Nepali expatriates who participated in the programme. Photos by the author
By Usha Wagle Gautam
The Nonresident Nepalese Federation—Qatar (NNF) jointly celebrated Buddha Poornima (Buddha’s Full Moon) in association with Nonresident Tamang Society, Tamu Society, Tharu Welfare Society and Federation of Nonresident Magar on Friday.
The programme was held at the Embassy of Nepal and attended by a number of Nepali expatriates.
This year Buddha Poornima fell on May 14 and was celebrated by hundreds of thousands of Buddhists and Buddha followers worldwide. Buddha Poornima is celebrated as the birthday of Gautam Buddha, the exalted one, often mentioned as the light of Asia. According to historical findings, Buddha was born in Shakya Republic in the Himalayan foothills, now Kapilbastu, Nepal in 563BC. As a sage, he abandoned his monarch family, travelled across far and wide and acquired Nirvana. The teaching of Buddha, renunciation is a middle path between sensual indulgence and severe asceticism.
Nepal’s Acting Ambassador to Qatar Ganesh Prasad Dhakal was the chief guest. During the programme, six Buddhist monks performed four-hour-long rituals and chants for peace and harmony throughout the world.
Tharcha Lama, a practicing Buddhist from Nepal, said, “We began celebrating this day at different hotels and from 2006 we [moved the celebrations to the] Nepali embassy.” Lama said at least three Buddhist monks perform the rituals after taking a sacred bath and continue with chanting mantras to preach world peace and nonviolence.
Guru Gayabanil, a monk popularly known as Lama, played Dhangro, a musical percussion, for the ritual. He gave three reasons to celebrate the day: “First as it is Buddha’s birthday, second it is the day of enlightenment, and third is it is the day he died.”
He added, “I am proud to be born in Nepal, where Buddha was born. I got happiness and eternal peace while celebrating the day in the presence of expats practicing different religions.”
Namgel Lama, another monk at the ceremony, was performing the ritual for the second time in Qatar. He was born to a Buddhist family. “I believe in Buddha’s last words—behold, o monks, this is my last advice to you: all components in this world are changeable. This shall too pass. Work hard for salvation.”
Guru Dambaur Wangju, also a monk, described Buddhism as having two goals — getting to ourselves and learning Buddha’s teaching. He believes that the true difference between Buddha and his followers is that latter have not embraced the notion of true nature.
Likewise, Guru Ganjoo Lama said that “the teachings of Buddha see everything from an eye of humanity and brotherhood. It emphasises in co-operation with everyone, even with enemies.”
Acting Ambassador Dhakal said, “No doubt, Buddha was born in Nepal but his teachings are helpful to any culture, religion or nationalities in pursuit of a happy content life.”
Krishna Lama recited Buddhist mantras and others followed. The mantras included Lama la Kayabsang Chee, Sage la Kayabsang Chee and Gheaming la Kyabsang Chee.
Krishna Tamu, who attends the celebrations every day, said, “Every year, we divide the task while celebrating this day. For example, Tharu community accepted the task of management last year, this year the Magar and next year, the task will be carried by Tamu. It is most importantly, the day of peace.”