DUMMHA PANCHSHEEL
Birds are freed from cages. Fruits and clothes are distributed among the sick and abstinence is observed on eating meat.
The Bodhi tree is revered. Its branches are decorated with garlands and colored flags. Rows of lamps are lit around the tree, and milk and scented waters are sprinkled on its roots.
The rituals include prayers, sermons on the life of Gautam Buddha, continuous recitation of Buddhist scriptures, meditation by monks and devotees, and worship of the statue of Buddha.
Offerings of incense, flowers, candles and fruit are made by believers, who prostrate several times in front of the idol.
On this Holy day the Buddhists bathe and wear only white clothes. They gather in their viharas for worship and give alms to monks.
They also reaffirm their faith in the five principles called Panchsheel
1.not to take life
2.not to steal
3.not to lie
4.not to consume liquor or other intoxicants
5. not to commit adultery
Dhamma Flag ( Panchsheel)
Global Buddhist People is celebrating 8th January day as a " Dhamma Flag (Panchsheel) Day" every year. The Dhamma Flag was introduced by Srilankan Buddhists named Ven. Hikkaduve, Ven. Sumangalanayaka Thera(Chairman), Ven. Miggetuvatte Gunananda Thera, Don Karolis Hevvithrana, Muhandirama, A P Gunawardhana, Willium D Abrev, Charles A D Silva, N S Farnando, Peter d Abrev, H Willium Fernando, Karolis Pujitha Gunawardhana(Secretary) on 19th centuary. According to our traditional views, Buddha borned with 32 signs and 80 sub-signs. And with keeping importance of the Buddha's physical and Natural
power, the flag was introduced of 5 colours and 6 columns. The colours are Blue, Yellow, Red, White Orange, which are related with Buddha's different part of bodies.This flag was accepted on 17th April 1885 by the Buddhist Committee of Srilanka as a Dhamma Flag .This Dhamma Flad hosted by Ven Migetuvatte Gunnanada There of Srilanka on 28th May 1885, Vaishakh Purnima, the day of Birth anniversary of Buddha at Deepduttamarama Buddha Vihara premises, Kotahena near Colombo (Srilanka). Taking the importance of this flag, Ashwaghosh Buddhists Foundation(India) organized a function under the Chairman of this Foundation Dr. Milind Jiwane in our Nagpur Office. And Dr Jiwane hosted a Dhamma Flag in our premises.
Adheer Bagde.
