Over twenty-five centuries ago, on an auspicious Vesak full moon night, our esteemed teacher, Gautama Buddha, assumed his seat beneath the Bodhi tree, gracing the Vajirasana (the diamond throne) beside the river Neranjara in the land of Uruvela, India. Having flawlessly mastered all ten perfections throughout innumerable eons, he exhibited unparalleled energy and determination in conquering Mara, purifying his mind by completely eradicating all defilements and ultimately attaining the pinnacle of Supreme Enlightenment. We wholeheartedly take refuge in our supreme teacher, Gautama Buddha. Natti mē saraṇaṁ aññaṁ Buddho mē saraṇaṁ varaṁ – There is not other refuge for me other than that of the great Buddha!

      On the auspicious Asala full moon day, two months after attaining Supreme Enlightenment, at Isipatana deer park at Baranasi, the Blessed One turned the Dhamma wheel, expounding the profound teaching of the Four Noble Truths before the assembly of the five bhikkhus, along with countless Devas and Brahmas. For forty-five years, the Blessed One tirelessly disseminated this great Dhamma, sharing his wisdom with the world. On his final day, reclining on the bed thoughtfully prepared by Bhante Ananda, at the Sala Grove Upavartana in the city of Malla kings, Kusinara, the Blessed One addressed his disciples with the utmost compassion, speaking his last words as the Enlightened One, “All conditioned things are subject to decay. Be heedful in your Dhamma practice.”

      Every word that flowed from the Buddha’s lips was a manifestation of boundless compassion for all sentient beings. The teachings of the Blessed One stand as an eternal beacon, visible here and now, transcending time, and holding immeasurable value. In reverence and devotion, we seek refuge solely in the Dhamma proclaimed by the Blessed One, finding solace and guidance on our path to enlightenment. Natti mē saraṇaṁ aññaṁ Dhammo mē saraṇaṁ varaṁ – There is not other refuge for me other than that of the great Dhamma!

      Within the Blessed One’s dispensation, the Sangha, consisting of noble disciples, seeks solace in the teachings and wholeheartedly embraces the Upasampada (ordination) within the monastic discipline, all in their quest to transcend suffering. Firmly rooted in virtue (Sila), concentration (Samadhi), and wisdom (Panna), they ardently practice the four foundations of mindfulness, liberating themselves from the influence of the five hindrances. With dedication, they cultivate the five spiritual faculties and factors of enlightenment, diligently treading the noble eightfold path. Through unwavering commitment and effort, these noble disciples gradually approach the ultimate aspiration—the attainment of Nibbana, the cessation of suffering.

The foremost members within the Sangha community are the Arahants, who graced the first half-millennium of the Blessed One’s dispensation. Among these Arahants were the illustrious and uncountable disciples, including Venerable Sariputta, Moggallana, Maha Kassapa, Anurudda, Maha Kaccana, Maha Kappina, Ananda, Nanda, Rahula, and many others. They fearlessly confronted Mara and attained Nibbana—the ultimate cessation of suffering.

Following in the footsteps of these noble disciples, others within the Sangha diligently trod the path and gradually achieved the fruits of liberation, escaping the cycle of Samsara. The Sangha, adorned with great qualities, stands as a refuge for us, and we wholeheartedly seek solace and inspiration within this esteemed community.Natti mē saraṇaṁ aññaṁ Sangho mē saraṇaṁ varaṁ – There is not other refuge for me other than that of the great Sangha!