Please join us for a celebration of Vesak on Saturday, May 18, 2019 from 10am to 3pm at the Sarana Kuti. We will have a Vesak celebration from 10am to noon, followed by a vegetarian potluck lunch from 12-1pm, and an opportunity to practice in the afternoon from 1-3pm.

Vesak is the most sacred holy day of Theravada Buddhism. Also called Visakha Puja or Wesak, Vesak is an observation of the birth, enlightenment, and death (parinibbana) of the historical Buddha.

Visakha is the name of the fourth month of the Indian lunar calendar, and “puja” means “religious service.” So, “Visakha Puja” can be translated “the religious service for the month of Visakha.” Vesak is held on the first full moon day of Visakha. There are diverse lunar calendars in Asia that number the months differently, but the month during which Vesak is observed usually coincides with May. For Theravada Buddhists, Vesak is a major holy day to be marked by a rededication to the Dharma and the Eightfold Path.

Please bring a vegetarian dish to share for lunch. Please label your dish if it contains any possible allergens to care for those who might need to avoid them (eggs, nuts, gluten).

The morning will include meditation, chanting and taking refuge and renewing precepts, bathing the baby Buddha, and a short dharma talk by Lori. The afternoon will consist of silent practice: sitting and walking meditation.

Please register by no later than May 12th if you plan to attend by filling out the form below: