VENERABLE Van Shichang Zang from the Linggu­angxi Temple in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China, paid homage to eight Vener­able Sayadaws led by State Sangha Maha Nayaka Com­mittee Chairman Sayadaw at Maha Vijara Mingala Dhamma Thabin on Kaba Aye Hill in Yan­gon Region on 28 September.

Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Com­mittee, Presiding Patron of Thanlyin Minkyaung Sayadaw Dr Bhaddanta Candima Bhi­vamsa, vice-chair Sayadaws, Joint Secretary Sayadaws, member Sayadaws, deputy director-general of the De­partment of Religious Affairs, Pro-Rector (Admin) of the In­ternational Theravada Bud­dhist Missionary University, Lingguangxi Temple Sayadaw and other invitees attended the ceremony.

The Chairman Sayadaw delivered Saraniya Katha, say­ing Myanmar and China are long-standing, friendly neigh­bouring countries with deep traditional ties. Based on the shared Buddhist faith, the two countries continue to develop relations in social, economic, cultural, and religious sectors. Although Myanmar is a leading Theravada country, it has been working harmoniously with all Mahayana traditions on reli­gious matters. In the world, as the desire, anger, and delusion are strongly occurring, people are facing many kinds of suffer­ing. Therefore, all Buddhists are urged to extinguish the in­ner fires of defilements with the Noble Path and to make collec­tive efforts to spread this noble practice across the world.

The Sayadaw of Linggu­angxi Temple supervised reli­gious affairs.

The two Sayadaws ex­changed Dhamma gifts and donated offerings to the SS­MNC Sayadaws. Mr Chu Shi­wei, on behalf of Lingguangxi Sayadaw, donated cash and the deputy director-general of the Department of Religious Affairs received it.

In the afternoon, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture U Aye Tun met Lingguangxi Sayadaw at the Ministry’s office in Yangon.

During the meeting, the Deputy Minister discussed religious affairs and extended wishes to ensure bilateral co­operation for the propagation of the Buddha Sasana.

The delegation led by Lingguangxi Sayadaw visited the Shwedagon Pagoda yes­terday, and donated flowers, water and oil lamps, signed the visitors’ book of the pagoda and donated cash.

Yangon Region Sangha Nayaka Committee Chair­man Sayadaw Dr Bhaddanta Aggasami met Lingguangxi Sayadaw and discussed reli­gious affairs. — MNA/KTZH