April 25, 2005
Saga Dawa Anniversary 2005
The Nalandabodhi Sangha is invited to celebrate Vaishak Day on May 23rd next month. This is an important day for all Buddhists and among all Buddhist traditions. On the 15th day of Saga Dawa (Sanskrit: Vaishak) month, we celebrate the birth and enlightenment and commemorate the parinirvana of the historic Buddha.
The prince Siddhartha pursued a spiritual journey, leaving his royal life in search of the ultimate truth. Without his wisdom, our world would not have the vast methods that can lead sentient beings to enlightenment. The lives of sentient beings can be fruitful and they can achieve enlightenment because of his journey, thus experiencing joy and freedom in samsara and beyond.
To honor this day of enlightenment, May 23rd is a day we should designate for personal and group practice with our Nalandabodhi sangha. North Americans are granted the privilege of a personal religious holiday off from work and/or school each year so, as Buddhists, Nalandabodhi students are encouraged to exercise our right to celebrate this most precious, sacred day.
Rinpoche taught on the life of Buddha and this celebration at last year’s 2004 sangha retreat on Vaishak Day at Nalanda West. For 2005’s celebration, Nalandabodhi Center and Group Coordinators have begun discussion on the details for the day’s practice and celebration events. Our practices might include some of the following:
Get up early and practice at home in the morning
Chant “In Praise of the Twelve Deeds of the Buddha”
Meditate on Buddha throughout the day
Be mindful yet relaxed with family and sangha
Nice short practice and celebration with sangha
Vegetarian (no eggs) on this day (alternatively, for first 15 days or even the whole month)
On Vaishak Day, we as Buddhists in this modern world of 2005 can celebrate according to our own culture and circumstances. In doing so, we appreciate the presence of the historic Buddha in this world and feel the joy of celebrating his life.
"Through skillful compassion, you took birth in the clan of Shakya
And quelled the forces of Mara unconquerable by others.
To you with body majestic as golden Mount Meru,
To the king of the Shakyas, we prostrate.
Having first given rise to bodhicitta,
You perfected the two accumulations of merit and wisdom
And to this day perform vast activity.
Protector of beings, we will now offer this praise to you."
From the opening verses from "In Praise of the Twelve Deeds of the Buddha"
copyright 2002-2004 The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche and Tyler Dewar
Photo credit James Prouty, Nalanda West Inauguration, November 2004
Posted by Jean at April 25, 2005 06:38 PM