Wesak is one of the most important festivals in the Buddhist world.
We are starting the day with a choice of sessions at 9.30am. One is for Order Members and the other is for Going for Refuge Mitras and Order Members.
This will set the scene for the day, which is a marvellous opportunity for us to come together in Sangha, to express our appreciation for the Buddha and the efforts he made to gain enlightenment and to practise together with the confidence that…
The Buddha was born as we are born.
What the Buddha overcame we too can overcome.
At lunchtime we are inviting adults with children to gather together in the Garden Shrine room.
In the afternoon we have a Mitra Ceremony in the context of a Sevenfold Puja to welcome an new mitra into our sangha…
An ever widening circle the Sangha grows.
Programme
9.30am
Shakyamuni Sadhana – for Order Member in the Garden Shrine Room
Going for Refuge and Prostration Practice – For Going for Refuge Mitras in the Top Shrine Room
10.30am Doors open for coffee and teas
11am Meditation, Recollecting the Buddha, talk and inspirations
12.45 pm Shared Lunch
1pm to 2pm Child Friendly Space in the Garden Shrine Room
2pm Mitra Ceremony in the context of a Sevenfold puja
3.30pm Tea and Cake
4pm Clear up and close
All welcome, no need to book, by donation
As part of this festival, we’ll be holding a Mitra ceremony, where a member of our community will ritually take the next step on his path towards the Three Jewels – the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha.
Here our friend, John Nugent introduces himself…
My interest in Buddhism goes back a long way. It had always attracted me but had never become a consistent part of my life. I’ve managed to undertake some learning and practice at different times but until now have not made a commitment.
About 15 years ago I started a small group in Hertford with the support of the Cambridge Buddhist Centre who sent order members to teach us and support our efforts. It went well but I had to withdraw due to the demands of my legal career.
In 2013 my wife and I moved to Brighton where I discovered the Brighton Buddhist Centre. We began coming to yoga classes around 4 years ago and I was drawn to the atmosphere of the place and the people I encountered there. I enrolled in some courses and kept coming back.
In time Buddhism was to take a more influential role in my life and instead of dipping in and out, decided to follow my instincts. I began reading and learning from the many Buddhist texts that are available. Meditation became a regular practice – I’ll never forget the wise words of Maitridarshin on the final night of his excellent mediation course – “Meditation will change your life.”
So here I am. Instead of standing on the river bank, watching and wondering, I’m finally taking the plunge, diving in and going with the tide.
At a Mitra ceremony it is customary to welcome the new Mitra with cards or perhaps small gift, so if you would like to do this please bring them along on the day or email any messages for John to us.
No need to book, by donation
