‘State patronage vital for Buddhism’

Hidogama Group Corr.

Buddhism would have never prospered in this country if not for the State patronage received by it, said Ven. Nalanda Jinarama Thera.

He was addressing a Daham Hamuwa held to mark the setting up of a new Buddhist temple at Kongaswewa in Nachchaduwa on May 20 with Ven. Kandalame Dhammananda Thera as its Viharadhipati.

The Venerable Thera said, as much as the Maha Sangha is needed for a country for the progress of the Sasana, virtue is a pre-requisite on the part of the Sangha. Mind control was essential for people to fashion the world.

Moral and spiritual values, buildings and other edifices had become a reality due to the power of the mind. Therefore, the country could be rebuilt and developed building peoples mind.

People armed with the power of the Dhamma need not entertain unnecessary fears in their minds, he said.

He called upon the people in the area to rally round Viharadhipati Ven. Kandalama Dhammananda Thera to develop and upgrade the newly set up temple.