Join Buddhists in Shepparton and across Australia as they commemorate the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing. Buddhism is one of the world’s oldest philosophies of non-violence and has practiced peaceful relations for over 2600 years. In this day and age, Buddhism continues to promote peace through practice of mindfulness. There will be a celebration of Vesak in Queens Gardens, Shepparton, on Saturday, 5 May 2018.
At Vesak Buddhists commemorate the birth of the Buddha-to-be, Siddhattha Gautama, his Enlightenment at the age of 35 when he became the Buddha and his final ‘passing’ into Nirvana at the age of 80, no more to be reborn. Buddhist scriptures tell us that each of these three significant events occurred on a full moon of the Indian lunar month of Vaisakha – pronounced Vesakha. Hence, the festival is called Wesak or Vesak.
Traditionally, the Buddha’s birth is supposed to have been in 623 BC but the Buddhist calendar is counted from his final passing, eighty years later. The older tradition of Vesak is to celebrate all three events but there are some more recent Buddhist schools and groups that celebrate just the birth and others only the Enlightenment.
This is a multicultural observance of Vesak provided by the Buddhist practitioners of the Goulburn Valley. The come from many South East Asian nations and from many traditions and forms of practice. Some are Burmese, some Cambodian, some Chinese, some from India and Japan. Others hail from Korea, Malaysia, Mongolian, Thailand, Tibetan, Sri Lankan, Taiwanese and Vietnamese communities. Leaders from Shepparton’s Buddhist community – along with members of the Shepparton Interfaith Network – will also join in the commemoration as the Vesak message of peace is echoed in every faith.
Vesak will be observed in Queens Park, Shepparton, and has been sponsored by the City of Greater Shepparton, People Supporting People, Victoria Police and the Shepparton Interfaith Network.
Lanterns
If you would like to have a go at making your own Wesak lantern to hang in the gardens for the celebration, instructions are at this link http://studentlanka.com/2014/05/01/how-to-make-a-vesak-wesak-lantern-kudu-best-10-tutorials/
To hang your lantern in the Queens Gardens you will need to come down to the gardens (Crn of Wyndham St & Nixon St Shepparton) between 2:30pm and 4:00pm on Saturday 13 May — to have them hung.
What: Vesak Celebration
When: Saturday, 05 May at 5:30PM
Where: Queens Gardens – Crn Wyndham St & Nixon St Shepparton
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More Information: Sam Atukorala, 5831 2395
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