Offering ‘Soon’ to Sangha: India Ambassador Offers ‘Soon’ and Offertories

Offering robes, offertories and soon (midday meal) to the Members of Sangha by Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar H.E Mr Saurabh Kumar and Madam Mrs Smriti Srivastav and family were performed at the residence of ambassador, Yangon on Monday.

The ceremony was inaugurated by chanting “Namo Tassa” three times. Dr Bhaddanta Kumarabhivamsa,Chairman of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee administered the five percepts and  the members of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaws recited Paritta Suttas.

The ambassador, his family and well wishers presented offertories to the members of the Sangha. Meiktila sayardaw Baddant Kawvila, vice- chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee delivered the sermon on the benefits of offering Soon and offertories. The ambassador expressed his personal feeling of honor, gratifying, fulfilling and satisfaction by offering ‘Soon’ to the Sangha.

India ambassador to Myanmar, H.E Mr. Saurabh Kumar said “The soon ceremony is deeply religious ceremony. For me, it is it will be very fulfilling experience to have monks from your highest religious body, the Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and honoring us by visiting India House and giving us the opportunities to offer the Soon ceremony. So, we feel very honor and we feel very gratify and for me personally, it is very fulfilling and satisfying to offer midday meal offering to the monks. Buddhism is a religion which unites both India and Myanmar and in that sense also it is personally very gratifying and satisfying for me.

The ambassador also expressed bilateral relationship is important between the two countries. Myanmar is the close neighbor and friend of India to be valuable relationship a lot. India is the first country to offer vaccine to Myanmar. They also have challenges with the severe COVID-19 situation early this year. But now, the ambassador said that India has the ability to offer vaccines to Myanmar.

India ambassador to Myanmar, H.E Mr. Saurabh Kumar said “The first country to offer vaccine to Myanmar. We have our own challenges because of the severe Covid situation in India early of this year but we are now in a position to resume vaccine supply ….and I have already had a discussion with the health minister conveying to him that India has the ability now to offer vaccines to Myanmar and whenever Myanmar needed, it is ready. We would be happy to reengage and continue our cooperation in this important areas.”

After giving the sermon by vice chairman of the committee, pouring water symbolically after a meritorious deed and sharing merits was conducted by the ambassador and all the attendees. By chanting “Buddha Sasanam Ciram Titthatu” three times, the ceremony was closed successfully.