Vesak, The Buddha's Birthday

Honoring the Birth of Shakyamuni Buddha

On Sunday, June 2, the Centre will have a celebration honoring the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha.

According to tradition, the Buddha was born on April 8. However, for purely practical reasons we celebrate this event when the weather is warmer and we can be outdoors. This year we are resuming our traditional celebration, with people in attendance.

Part of the ceremony is to present a small, wrapped baby gift for the Buddha which is later donated to families in need. Presents need not be expensive—diapers, pacifiers, bottles, bibs, booties, rattles—anything is appreciated. Please also bring a flower offering for the baby Buddha, and vegetarian food for the Pot Luck at the end of the ceremony.

Schedule

• The ceremony begins at 10:00. Everyone should be at the Zen Centre by that time. We will begin chanting the Kanzeon and the ceremony will start in the Buddha Hall.
• Everyone will enter, pour tea over the Baby Buddha and present their flower offering as well as their baby gift.
• And then comes the story of the birth of the Buddha, a Jataka Tale from the Sleeping Sage, and a visit from a special guest!
• Following the ceremony is a Pot Luck Picnic. Please bring a vegetarian dish to share (desserts are welcome too!). The Center will provide plates, cups and utensils as well as drinks and birthday cake.
• A small gift is given to each child at the end of the day.

Of all the Buddhist holidays, this is the most fun. After all, it’s a birthday party! People of all ages—members and non-members, family and friends—are most welcome. We hope to see you there!