The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bucharest , Romania hosted a special mindfulness discourse and meditation session on July 1, bringing together diplomats, religious leaders, parliamentarians, academics, and members of the Sri Lankan community for a morning of reflection and interfaith harmony.
The session was led by Venerable Bhante Wijayarajapura Seelawansa Thera, President of the Sri Lanka European Sanga Council and a respected Buddhist monk based in Austria. Delivering a discourse titled “The Buddha and the Path of Mind Training,” the Venerable Thera explored the relevance of the Buddha’s teachings in modern life, highlighting meditation as a universal tool for mental clarity, peace, and compassion. Attendees were also guided through meditation practices to experience mindfulness firsthand.
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Romania, Madurika Joseph Weniger, noted the absence of a Buddhist temple in Romania despite the vibrant Sri Lankan community in Bucharest. She commended Venerable Seelawansa Thera’s offer to provide spiritual leadership towards establishing such a centre to support the spiritual and material wellbeing of Sri Lankans in Romania and neighbouring countries.
The event was graced by Archbishop Aurel Percă of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bucharest and representatives of Romanian Catholic Churches, reflecting a strong spirit of interfaith dialogue and mutual respect.
Guests were served a traditional Sri Lankan vegetarian lunch, showcasing the island’s rich culinary heritage.
