Description

Tuere and Tim would like to personally invite you to our Vesak ceremony at Seattle Insight Meditation Society. Vesak is the most sacred holy day of Buddhism and is celebrated by Buddhist all over the world. It is a recognition of the birth, awakening and final passing away of the historical Buddha. It is commonly referred to as Buddha’s day and is usually on the first full moon in May (the actual day varies each year). Lay practitioners traditionally observe the day by practicing the precepts, bringing flowers and/or offerings to a temple, meditating and listening to a dharma talk. It is generally thought of as a solemn occasion although many places have large secular parties, parades, and festivals (similar to Christmas or Easter).

This year we will celebrate Vesak this year on the 3rd instead of the 5th when the full moon occurs. We will be holding a special meditation and ceremony. We will suggest practices for sangha members with busy schedules or those who can set aside the whole day of practice which can be practiced throughout the day of our observance and/or Thursday, the 4th, which is the official international day of observance.

Preparation

In preparation for the ceremony, please have with you some water, flowers, a bowl and a small buddha statue (or picture). Detailed preparation instructions here for those of you joining online.

Please join us in observing this special ceremony.

Questions?

If you have questions about this event, please contact webmaster@seattleinsight.org.

Registration & Donation

Registration is not needed for this event. The suggested event donation is $5, plus teacher dana. (Dana is a term for generosity, or freely offered giving.) Teacher dana can be offered at the event. Please use your best efforts to pay the suggested donation or another heartfelt amount. All are welcome regardless of ability to pay.

Dana for SIMS and the Teachers can be offered online at https://seattleinsight.org/Donate, or in person at the ceremony.