The Buddha's Birthday
(Vesak)
Sunday 8th May 2011
We celebrate with a vegetarian meal following our usual Sunday morning session. You are welcome! Free, bring family and friends.
Vesak (or Wesak) day is the most important annual festival for followers of the Buddha dharma. We assemble to celebrate the Buddha's birth, life and death. The three refuges are recited, and followers may bring simple offerings of flowers, candles and incense. These offerings are symbolic of the fact that just as the flowers will wither away after a short while and the candles and incense will soon burn out, so too life is precious but impermanent and brief.
Followers are encouraged to make a special effort to refrain from killing of any kind and to partake of vegetarian food for the day and refrain from all alcohol.
If you bringing food to share and/or bringing family or friends new to NBW then please tell Lynne hello@lynnemcneil.com
NB You do not have to be a vegetarian to join in any NBW event or activity.
| Day of Awakening Celebration
(Bodhi Day)
Sunday 11th December 2011
The Day of Awakening (Bodhi day) is recognised as the day that the Buddha became fully awakened (enlightened)under the Bodhi tree. It is traditional to celebrate this event all over the world.
According to legend, a passing-by young woman Sujata offered a meal of rice and milk to the Buddha upon his awakening to help him regain his strength.
As part of our NBW practice we celebrate the Day of Awakening by holding a free shared vegetarian meal after our normal meditation session on a Sunday morning. Usually about 25-40 people attend. Put this in your diary now.
More information to follow in your weekly circular.
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