Platinum Jubilee Ceremony at London Buddhist Vihara

Photographs by Tissa Madawela

Platinum Jubilee Ceremony at London Buddhist Vihara

A ceremony was held at the London Buddhist Vihara on Friday 27 May 2022 to Bless Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II on her Platinum Jubilee commemorating the 70 years of her reign.

On behalf of the Queen, ceremony was graced by Vice Admiral Sir Anthony Johnstone-Burt, KCVO CB OBE who is the Master of the Royal Household.
Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thera, the Head of the Vihara, welcomed the guests, followed by a talk by Dr Desmond Bidulph, President of The Buddhist Society.

Next item was chanting by the resident monks of the Vihara and monks of the Amaravati Buddhist monastery, led by Ajahn Amaro, the Abbot and monks representing Tibetan, Zen and Japanese traditions.

Ven. Seelawimala Nayaka Thera presented a memento to the Chief Guest Sir Anthony Johnstone-Burt.

In his speech, Sir Anthony said he was very pleased to attend the Vihara which be had previously visited. He said Her Majesty has always emphasised the importance of treating people with kindness, which is in keeping with the teachings of the Buddha.

After the ceremony, a reception was held at the main hall where Sir Anthony cut the Platinum Jubilee cake.