The importance of offering succour to the needy is a central tenet of Buddhism and can never be overstated. Since ancient times, Dāna—the act of giving—has been revered as a Pāramitā, or supreme virtue. In keeping with this noble tradition, the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) distributed bags of prasad to patients at A.N. Magadh College Hospital, Prabhavati Hospital, and Pilgrim Hospital, a day after the Buddha Purnima celebrations at the Mahabodhi Mahavihara.
Buddha Purnima Jayanti, commemorating the Birth, Enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana of Bhagwan Buddha, draws distinguished guests and devotees from across the world to pay homage. On this auspicious occasion, the Chief Monk of Mahabodhi Mahavihara, Venerable Bhante Chalinda, Temple Caretaker Monk Dinanand, BTMC Secretary Mahashweta Maharathi, along with nuns and monks from Vietnam and Japan and BTMC staff members, joined hands to distribute prasad across every ward.
Venerable Bhante Chalinda also bestowed blessings upon newborns born on the sacred day of Buddha Jayanti, 12th May. The smiles on the faces of the patients reflected a deep sense of care and connection. Moments like these truly embody the spirit of “Bahujana hitaya, bahujana sukhaya”—for the welfare and happiness of the many.