This is an open invitation to all my fellow Buddhists, to come together to practise and reflect on the significance of this most sacred day.
To pay homage to The Buddha, in the right way is none other than practising in conformity with the Dhamma, in seeing things as they really are. This, the Buddha had Himself declared on such an auspicious day, just before passing into Maha Parinibbana. Let us go back in time to that very occasion in Kusinara and try to imagine the scenario.....
"As the Buddha laid on his right side, between the pair of Sala trees in Kusinara, fragrant flowers blossomed out of season. Celestial flowers and sandalwood powder dropped from above, scattering and spreading themselves all over His body, as if in reverence to Him. Celestial singing and music filled the air while Devas and Brahmas from the ten thousand world systems assembled to pay their last homage to Him. The Buddha acknowledged their homage but said, .."Ananda, mere acts of reverence of this kind cannot be deemed to honour, esteem, revere and worship the Tathagata rightly..only the bhikkhu or bhikkhuni or lay disciple who practises according to the Teaching, in perfect conformity with the Truth can be deemed to honour and venerate the Tathagatha rightly and this homage is of the highest degree."
So let us make a firm determination to give up sensual pleasures and instead practise to purify our mind throughout the night to usher in the HOLY DAY of WESAK in the most meaningful way.
DATE: 4TH MAY 2012
TIME: 11.00 PM
VENUE: SETIA ALAM SAMBODHI CENTRE (SASBAS)
ADDRESS: 231, Jln Setia Prima BU13/8, Setia Alam, S.Alam Seksyen U13 40170 Selangor.
PROGRAMME: 1100 PAYING HOMAGE, TAKING OF PRECEPTS, (Option to observe 8 Precepts)
RECITATION OF THE PARITTAS.
0000 DHAMMA TALK,REFLECTION & DISCUSSION ON -
THE RARE APPEARANCE OF THE BUDDHA,
THE SPECIAL MARKS & ATTRIBUTES OF THE BUDDHA
HIS GREAT COMPASSION FOR US.
0130 MEDITATION PRACTICE (Walking & Sitting Meditation)*
0530 RECITATION OF PAEN OF JOY, PATTHANA, METTA RADIATION, ASPIRATION &
SHARING OF MERITS
0600 SHOWER/FRESHEN UP
0630 BREAKFAST/ADJOURN
*If you feel too tired to continue with the proposed programme above, you may leave the premises quietly. Others are also welcome to join us starting at 5 am in the morning.
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