Celebrating Saka Dawa Düchen (Śākyamuni Day)

On Shakyamuni Day (Saka Dawa Düchen or Vesak) we commemorate the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana. Ponlop Rinpoche has said Shakyamuni Day is an important holiday for Nalandabodhi members. Rinpoche encourages us to take this day off from work as a religious holiday to focus on practice and the accumulation of merit—positivity and kindness. In that spirit, please observe a vegetarian diet for the day, or longer.

Shakyamuni Day will be a family-friendly holiday this year. Our observance at Nalandabodhi Colorado will stream the adult program from Nalandabodhi Vancouver, which includes special addresses by Nalandabodhi teachers and liturgical practice in English.  During this time Eileen Kay, a master of ikebana, will  lead a children’s activity downstairs in flower arranging.

Following this, we will all gather upstairs for the ritual of bathing the baby Buddha and conclude the morning with a light lunch provided by the Center.

The remainder of the day will be left to individuals and families to celebrate as they wish.

Schedule:

9:30 to 11:00 Shamatha meditation

11:00 Connect with Nalandabodhi Vancouver for teachings and practice

Children can attend Eileen’s event downstairs at 11:00.  Parents can attend the Saka Dawa celebration upstairs.

Children and parents can join us upstairs for the ritual bathing of the baby Buddha.

Please help us with planning by registering below.

If you cannot attend the celebration at our meditation center, you can still participate by Zoom with the NB Vancouver event.  Please register with them at this site ….