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BRC-J, BRM Press Release



PRESS RELEASE
Monday, June 17, 1996

>From:
Burmese Relief Center=97Japan
Buddhist Relief Mission
266-27 Ozuku-cho
Kashihara, Nara 634, Japan
Tel: (07442) 2-8236
Fax: (07442) 4-6254

A Release of Fish for Aung San Suu Kyi's Birthday in Nara

More than twenty well-wishers gathered at Kudara Temple in Koryo-cho, Nara
Prefecture, at 11 AM on Sunday, June 16, to celebrate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's
fifty-first birthday.  The main event at the celebration was the release of
fifty-one multi-colored Japanese carp into the peaceful, shady  temple pond.=
 =20

The celebration opened with Buddhist chanting, led by a monk from India,
Ven. Sanghapala, who is currently studying in Kyoto.  Participants formed a
circle around the fish and recited both the Metta Sutta in Pali and the
Heart Sutra in Chinese.  At the conclusion of the chanting, participants
gently scooped the fish with Burmese brass bowls and released them singly or
in pairs into the pond.  Especially mindful of political prisoners in Burma,
several members called out  "Luparsay! Luparsay!" as the fish swam merrily=
 away.

Participants from Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara, including children as young
as four and nine, were joined by residents from the local village who wished
to extend their support.  Since the weather was so agreeable, a welcome
break in the current rainy season, several people arrived by bicycle.
 =20
Such a release of animals, often fish or birds, is an ancient Buddhist
tradition in both the Theravada and the Mahayana traditions.  In performing
such a meritorious act, one not only wishes for his own happiness, but also
shares merit with all living beings.  In this ceremony, participants wished
good health and long life for Aung San Suu Kyi on her birthday and prayed
for her continued freedom, as well as for the release for all political
prisoners in Burma and for the liberation of all beings from suffering.

Following the ceremony, everyone sat beside the pond in the shade of the
beautiful pagoda, a Japanese important cultural property, and shared a
delicious vegetarian picnic lunch.  The gathering broke up about two o'clock
in the afternoon, although many of the participants returned to the office
of Burmese Relief Center -- Japan and Buddhist Relief Mission, sponsors of
the event, to continue discussions and to plan future activities.