Merit-sharing ceremony: Memorial ceremony held to offer merit-sharing

A powerful Mandalay earthquake struck on the afternoon of March 28, causing widespread destruction of buildings. Many people were injured or lost their lives after being trapped inside collapsed structures.

To mark the one-month anniversary of this tragic event, a memorial ceremony was held to express sorrow and to offer merit-sharing donations in honor of the deceased monks, nuns, and laypeople who passed away in the disaster.

The ceremony took place at the Saitta-Thukha Beikman Hall of Saitta-Thukha Monastery in Aungmyaythazan Township in the morning on April 28. During the event, alms and offertories, including robes and food, were offered to the Venerable Sayadaws.

The ceremony was attended by the members of the Sangha led by the Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, Presiding Sayadaw of Min Kyaung Pathamabyan Sarthintaik in Thanlyin, Agga Maha Pandita, Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Dhaja, Dr. Bhaddanta Sandhima Bhivamsa, Mandalay Region Government Chief Minister U Myo Aung, Lieutenant General Myo Moe Aung and Lieutenant General Soe Tint Naing from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army), region ministers, government officials, donor families, and invited guests also participated.

At the ceremony, attending guests observed the Five Precepts administered by the Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee. After that, Chief Minister U Myo Aung, Lieutenant Generals Myo Moe Aung and Soe Tint Naing, and donors offered alms and cash donations to the members of Sangha.

The Secretary Sayadaw of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, Presiding Sayadaw of Dhammasamiddhi Monastery in Masoeyin Taik-Thit, Aggamahapadita MahaDhammaKathika Bahujanahitadhara Bhaddanta Vasethabhivamsa  delivered a sermon emphasizing the importance of holding the one-month memorial ceremony in remembrance of the deceased monks, nuns, and laypeople. The ceremony concluded with the sharing merits gained.