Today, I would like to present the program of the 5th Annual Vesak Celebration that took place on Sunday, May 28, in Mississauga, Ontario. Two birthdays were celebrated at the same time: the birth of Sakyamuni Buddha and Canada’s 150th birthday.
According to the Buddhist tradition, Queen Maya, experienced a virtually pain-free delivery with the assistance of a tree that bent to offer its branches. The future Buddha emerged from her right side, while his mother was standing and holding on to the branch of the tree. The child took seven steps and at each step a lotus flower sprang up.
Here is how his birth was celebrated this year. It all started with our national anthem.
Then all the monks and dignitaries were asked on the stage. Speaches and blessing chantings followed:
One of the traditions on Vesak Day is bathing the Buddha. The ritual consists of pouring water on his statue.
The next part of the program were Temple performances.
It was an amazing event but the best part were those who prepared it. Watching people and taking pictures, with their permission of course, was for me the best part of Vesak Day celebrations. Just have a look:
When you live in Toronto and its area, you don’t have to go to see the world, the world comes to you!
Cudowne zdjecia!
Dzieki Bozenko!
Lovely Joanna