Saturday, May 8, 2010

~ Vesak Day ~


We are getting closer to the 4th month of lunar calender where Vesak Day(Buddha Day) falls. This is a time when Buddhists all over the world gather to celebrate and commemorate the Birth, Enlightenment and Parinirvana *those who have been attending our friday dharma classes should know this term by now hehe~* of Shakyamuni Buddha - the founder of Buddhism.

This year, the SA Zhu-Lin Buddhist Association will be carrying out our yearly celebration on the 16th of May 2010 (SUN) at the temple. The whole event starts from 9am till to 3pm. As per usual, the highlights during that day will be "Buddha Bathing Ceremony" and "Vegetarian Charity Food Fair". There will be lots of sumptuous food and vegetarian delicacies sold during that day along with drinks and desserts. So don't miss out!! Make sure you bring your friends and family along to join us there. ^0^ Also there will be a Taking Refuge Ceremony in the afternoon so please let us know if you are interested. *glossary below*

Date: 16th may 2010 (SUN)
Venue: SA Zhu-Lin Buddhist Association (151-155 May Terrace, Ottoway)
9am ~ 11.30am - Sutra Chanting and Buddha Bathing Ceremony
11.30am ~ 2.30pm - Vegetarian Charity Food Fair
1.30pm - Taking Refuge Ceremony


Taking Refuge Ceremony 皈依仪式 - In order to become a Buddhist formally, you have to take refuge. For anyone who wants to take Buddhism as their path and base their life on Buddhist teachings and principles, taking refuge makes them clear in mind that they have made a commitment in cultivating loving-kindness and compassion at all times and not just when they are in good condition. Otherwise it will just like having good intentions. It means that you should be constantly trying to purify yourself, cleaning up your own thoughts or emotions. While you are working with yourself you should also try to help other people when they need you and you should appreciate everything that is good around you. These are the main principles of Buddhism.

Buddha Bathing Ceremony 浴佛- It is customary to hold this elaborate ceremony of bathing the newborn Buddha on Vesak Day, normally caried out with devotees lining up to ladle the fragrant water over the Buddha statue. This auspicious ritual serves as a symbolic reminder to Buddhists that we have to eradicate the three poisons (greed, hatred, ignorance) and cleanse our body, speech and thought to cultivate merits and wisdom.

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If you would like to join us on that day at the temple but need transportation, please contact Mr Wong 0401235452 by Wednesday night.

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