[Downtown Dharma Listserve] IBC 33rd Annual International Vesak May 5th, 2019 & Wheatgrass

Dear Sangha,

Please see below invitation for the 33rd International Vesak Day celebration co-sponsored by IMCW. 

Also, it was great to be with many of you on Sunday and to end class with a Persian new year tradition that is very dear to me. As promised, I have attached a picture of our collective intentions being carried down the Potomac via our wheatgrass floating device.

Happy Spring!

Linda

lindanaini.com | 240.888.5138

On Tue, Apr 2, 2019 at 4:12 PM Glen Harrison <glenedharrison@gmail.com> wrote:

33rd Annual International Vesak Celebration  

Washington Buddhist Vihara

5017 16th St NW

Washington, DC 20011

Sunday, May 5, 2019

9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (8:30 am Eight Precepts ceremony)

Dear Sangha Teachers,

You and your students are invited to join Buddhists from over 30 temples representing many countries and traditions throughout the greater Washington, DC area as we gather at  Washington Buddhist Vihara to celebrate the birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha.  Washington Buddhist Vihara is a Theravada Buddhist Temple in Washington DC and was established by Ven. Madihe Pannasiha Thero in 1962. The 33rd International Vesak Day is co-sponsored by IMCW. 

We welcome 2 or 3 short articles for inclusion in the Vesak program book which will have articles from most temples. Vesak this year will be celebrated on May 5th. Please respond by ASAP.   

Also, if you regularly lead children's programs you are invited to join with other temple teachers in offering a children's program (separate from but during the main morning program). Please respond ASAP (before April 17, 2019).

Anyone who can offer to help with writing an article, volunteer or offer a children's program is invited to contact IMCW representative Glen Harrison. Students can volunteer to help set-up on Saturday evening, donate a food dish for Sunday and clean-up on Sunday afternoon.

Basic Information for Vesak Day:

Activities begin at 8:30 a.m. and includes:

• 8 precepts for laity (initiate or renew)
• bathing infant Buddha (arrive at 9 am if not taking 8 precepts)
• circumambulation of the temple 
• flower offering by children (please bring your children to represent the IMCW temple)
• multi-language chanting, taking the 5 precepts, prayers and homages to the Buddha 
• dharma teachings and guided meditation (a separate children's program will be offered)

Lunch for monastics will be served at 11 a.m. followed by lunch for laity, dance performances and presentations from a rich variety of international Buddhist cultures. The program ends at 3 p.m.