West London Buddhist Centre

Buddha Day

Published in Buddhist Events & Festivals, Calendar for all events, Sangha Events

  • Sun May 22nd 2022
  • 10:30 am
  • 5:00 pm
  • Booking not required
  • By donation

Buddha Day is our marking of Wesak at the full moon of May (Monday 16th this year), when many Buddhist traditions recollect and celebrate both the birthday of the Buddha to be, and also the moment when he had his epic insight experience under a tree by a river in modern day Bihar. It is a day to recall the inspiration of the path we are on, and express gratitude and appreciation for the same. This year we will spend the morning reflecting on and experiencing the teaching of the Middle Way, the Buddha’s first attempt to articulate his new found wisdom to his ascetic companions, and how it can be seen to function as both method and philosophy, as well as somatically in our sitting.

The afternoon will begin with an introduction to the archetypal Buddha Vairocana and an exploration of the relationship between Vairocana and the historical Buddha. There will be a special meditation contemplating the Buddha’s qualities and a ritual to mark the transition from the past year, which we dedicated to Amoghasiddhi, to the coming year dedicated to Vairocana, the Buddha at the centre of the mandala.

Please bring vegan food for our shared lunch (or pick something up nearby on the day).

It would be lovely if you could come for the whole day but if you can only come in the afternoon please arrive during the lunch break as there will be no-one on reception once the day begins.

10.30 – Arrival and refreshments
11.00 – Introduction and Meditation (Vilasamani)
12.00 – The Middle Way (Vilasamani)
1.00 – Shared vegetarian lunch
2.15 – Introduction to the Archetypal Buddha Vairocana in the context of the historical Buddha (Bodhilila)
3.00 – Meditation (Bodhilila)
3.30 – tea
4.00 – Ritual to celebrate the Buddha’s Enlightenment and the start of a year dedicated to Vairocana (Bodhilila)

We will be using the occasion of Wesak Festival to launch a year dedicated to Vairocana, when he will take centre-stage in WLBC themes and events.

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday for this celebration.

Bodhilila and Vilasamani

Reconnect to your inner world with The Art of Dreaming workshop. More info here. Book here.

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