Vesak Celebration

Practical Information
Date: Sunday May 4
Hours:  1:30 – 4:00 PM, with optional social gathering from 4:00 – 4:45 PM
Location: Ekoji Buddhist Sangha, 3411 Grove Avenue, Richmond, Richmond. (Google Maps)
Cost: a donation (dana) for the IMCR group and for the teacher
Suggested donation for teacher: sliding scale: $10 – $90 (see below for more information)
Teacher: Marjolein Janssen
Registration: No need to register, walk-in

Description
Vesak is one of the most significant and sacred celebrations for Theravada Buddhists, marking the birth, enlightenment, and awakening of the Buddha. This auspicious day, typically observed during the full moon in May, offers an opportunity for reflection on the Buddha’s teachings, the nature of wisdom, compassion, and liberation from suffering. It is a time to honor the Buddha’s life and his enduring guidance that continues to inspire practitioners around the world.

Vesak is a day of deep reverence and spiritual renewal. It is observed with various rituals, including the lighting of lanterns to symbolize the Buddha’s light of wisdom dispelling the darkness of ignorance. There may also be the offering of flowers and the washing of the baby Buddha. We will also engage in meditation, chanting, and listening to the Dhamma. The celebration is an opportunity for all to renew their commitment to the path of mindfulness, ethical living, and wisdom.

This year, in addition to the traditional practices, we are especially honored to celebrate the formal taking of the “Refuges and Precepts” by those who have participated in the “Refuges and Precepts” course. These individuals, having gained an understanding of the basic tenets of Buddhism and ethical conduct, will formally commit to taking the Three Refuges—the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha—as well as undertaking the Five Precepts, which guide their behavior with integrity and mindfulness. This is a significant milestone in their spiritual journey, and the community will come together to offer support and encouragement as they take this important step in their practice.

After the formal celebration there is an optional social gathering from 4:00 – 4:45 PM. Please bring a snack for all to share!

Generosity for the Teacher and the IMCR Group
There are two ways to practice generosity during this celebration:

• Generosity for the teacher
• Generosity for the IMCR group

We appreciate donations of any amount you feel comfortable and generous giving. Your donation to the teacher provides support to allow Marjolein to continue offering these teachings, and your donation to the IMCR group allows the continuation of the IMCR group. Please give as feels appropriate and generous for you. Please delight in your generosity and know that the dharma continues to be offered to you and others through our collective acts of sharing. All are welcome, no donation is required.

At the time of the celebration there will be the opportunity to offer a donation through PayPal, Venmo, check, or cash. You can also donate online to Marjolein and/or the IMCR group.

More information about the concept of dana, generosity, in Buddhism.

Questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact us.