"The Gift of Dhamma excells all other gifts"
Welcome to the official website of 'The Buddhist'; the Premier Buddhist Television Channel in Sri Lanka. Programmes are televised and transmitted throughout the day and night, from the studios at Sri Sambodhi Viharaya, which is situated at Gregory's Road, Colombo 7.
The Sri Sambodhi Viharaya was established to disseminate the Dhamma and to create an awareness of the sacred teachings of the Supremely Enlightened Buddha, within Sri Lanka and throughout the world.
The Most Ven. Aggamahapanditha Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Rathanapala Mahanayake Thero, is presently the chief incumbent of the Asgiriya chapter, of the Shamopalika Maha Nikaya. He was born on 17th March 1930, in Udugama in the district of Kurunegala. He was ordained in 1944 and has since, as a Buddhist prelate, been of great service to the Buddha Sasana within Sri Lanka and also in foreign lands.
The Most Ven. Madiha Pannaseeha Mahanayake Thero (June 21, 1913 - September 9, 2003) was an eminent Buddhist Monk in Sri Lanka; who provided leadership and guidance to the Amarapura sect.
The revival of Buddhism witnessed in Sri Lanka today, can be attributed to the vision and untiring effort of members of the Maha Sangha this island was and is blessed with. They had the courage to disseminate the Dhamma throughout the land. Ven. Panadure Ariyadhamma Thero was one such pioneer monk, who revived the Sasana in the immediate past.
The gift of Dhamma, expounded by the Supremely Enlightened Buddha, is a priceless gift, that Sri Lanka can offer to the world and it's people.
Buddhism shows the way, for mankind to tread from a world of darkness, that of - hatred, delusion, suffering and conflict into a new world of light, filled with loving kindness, compassion, peace and happiness. This goal could be achieved within the next few decades of the 21st century, making it a catalyst for a new world order. This would be by bringing about righteousness.
I hereby appeal to each and everyone, to assist us in which ever way possible, to continue this channel successfully into the future.
Punya Bhoomi Wandana
Various Meritorious Activities Conducted Nation wide by Sri Sambodhi
view activityThe significance of Poya day
Asian ascetics in ancient times ( before the Buddha era), made it a practice on full moon day, to cease worldly pursuits and engage themselves in religious activities. This was before formal calendars were even thought of.
The Buddha adopted this practice and from this developed, the preaching of the Buddhist texts and commentaries (bana) in monasteries and temples on full moon Poya days. When Venerable Arahat Mahinda Thero, introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka in 247 BC, he introduced the Poya tradition.
Following are brief descriptions of the 12 Poyas in the Buddhist calendar, together with their significance at the time and the sacred and special events which took place then and which take place today on these special Full Moon Poya days.