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8th January: Buddhist Flag Day and  The Origin and Meaning of the Buddhist Flag. The Buddhist flag is a flag designed in the late 19th century as a universal symbol of Buddhism. It is used by Buddhists throughout the world. The Buddhist flag is a modern creation and it was jointly designed by Mr J.R. de Silva and Colonel Henry Steele Olcott (American journalist) to mark the revival of Buddhism in Ceylon (presently Sri Lanka) in 1880. They designed a flag from the six colours of the aura that shone around the body and head of the Buddha after His Enlightenment. The Buddhist flag and American flag were draped on Colonel’s dead body in 1907 before his cremation. The flag later came to symbolize the unity of Buddhists. Thereafter, it has been used worldwide and has been used in nearly 60 countries during Buddhist festive seasons, particularly during the Vesak celebrations. The Buddhist Flag was first hoisted in 1885 in Sri Lanka. It is a symbol of faith and peace u

*ARAHAT THERI BADDAKAPILANI*  - FIRST IN THE RANK WHO COULD RECALL FORMER LIVES AMONGST OTHER NUNS Arahat Theri Baddakapilani Many eons a go, during Pudumuttara Buddha's dispensation Baddakapilani was born in the city of Hansawathi and later was married to a wealthy husband called Videha. They both enjoyed a happy and comfortable life and often visited the monastery to listen to Dhamma Sermons from the Buddha. On a certain day after the Dhamma sermon, she heard a nun proclaimed in the first rank of those who could recall former lives. She resolved to acquire a similar rank, while her husband (Mahā Kassapa in this life) resolved to be chief among those who practise austere vows (dhutangadari). From then on she generated good acts and fulfilled virtues to her best. With this wish in mind she gave alms to the Buddha and his Sanga for 7 consecutive days and the last day, after paying respect to the Buddha, she conveyed her wish. The Buddha foreseen her future wish, knew it