Wesak is one of the most important festivals in the Buddhist world. It 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.
With meditation, ritual, talks, a shared lunch and a Mitra Ceremony.
The Day’s Programme:
9.30am The Going for Refuge and Prostration Practice for Order Members and GfR Mitras led by Sthanashraddha
10.15am Doors open, teas and coffees
10.45am Meditation, Puja and Mitra ceremonies, led by Maitridarshin
1pm Shared Lunch – please bring vegetarian / vegan food to share (labelled please)
2.15pm Talk from Vajragupta:
Under the Rose Apple Tree
Lots of us may be familiar with the story of the “rose apple tree” – how the Buddha-to-be realised the futility of extreme asceticism and found a new way to meditate. Vajragupta focuses on this moment of crisis, when Gautama realises that these ascetic practices, and everything else he has tried, have got him no nearer Enlightenment. Sometimes it is in a moment of crisis that the ordinary mind gives up; it cracks and new light shines through. In this talk, Vajragupta reflects further on the significance of this story, seeing it as the start of the Awakening process itself. He’ll also offer some reflections on the importance of stories and why – especially on festival days – we need to tell the stories of the Buddha again and again.
3.05pm Discussion group on The Future of Rivendell Retreat Centre, with breakout groups
3.45pm Short meditation and the Transference of Merit
4.30pm Close & depart
All welcome, no need to book, by donation
