Mindfulness in everyday life

‘Mindfulness in everyday life’ - a workshop for children was held on 2 August to mark Nikini Full Moon Poya day. Organised by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) of the Indian High Commission, the workshop was conducted by Rajakiya Panditha, Shastrapathi, Vidyapathi, Venerable Kamburawala Shri Rewatha Thero, the Head Monk of Scotland Buddhist Vihara and Chief Sangha Nayaka for Great Britain.

About 70 students participated in the workshop from all over the island, some also joined by their teachers and parents.

Mindfulness is one of the significant elements of Buddhist traditions and practices. Through various techniques, it involves purposefully bringing an individual’s attention to experiences occurring in the present moment, without judging them as good or bad. The objective of the workshop on ‘mindfulness in everyday life’ was to orient the students about ‘mindfulness’ and its significance in ensuring their well-being, particularly considering the current situation when they are confined to their homes, and missing their friends and school-life due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The workshop began with a short lecture by Ven. Kamburawala Shri Rewatha Thero, followed by a question and answer session with the students that lasted for more than two hours. The students discussed issues that are affecting their day-to-day lives, such as lack of confidence and socialising skills, child-parent relations, career and goal setting, time management, and ways to improve academic performances. The thero patiently listened to every question and offered possible solutions. He also conducted a practice session on ‘mindfulness’ for the students to orient them towards its practical application and benefits.

Dr. Rewant Vikram Singh, Director, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Colombo, delivered the welcome remarks and coordinated the workshop which was webcast live on the Centre’s Facebook page.

The workshop was organised as a part of the series of activities initiated by the High Commission of India to strengthen ties between India and Sri Lanka, this month the focus being on the well-being of children.

In June, the High Commission marked Poson Poya by creating ‘Poson Pavura’ - an art exhibition by Sri Lankan artists at the High Commission premises. In July, an online interaction between Buddhist scholars from Sri Lanka and India on ‘Dhamma for global well-being’ with special reference to Lord Buddha’s message of “Sabbe Satta Bhavantu Sukhitatta” - may all beings be happy, may all beings be free from suffering, was held for Esala Poya.