Vesak Day : Lord Buddha Day
Visakha Puja (Vesak) 2549 B.E. Meditation & Circumambulation In Homage to the Lord Buddha Around the Grand Meditation Amphitheatre
As the moon turns full on the sixth lunar month, Buddhists worldwide enjoy the arrival of Vesak Day. Vesak Day is the Buddha Day. It represents a simultaneous celebration of the birth, enlightenment and the passing into nibbana of the Lord Buddha. The three occurrences fall on the same full moon day of the sixth lunar month. This year, Vesak Day falls on Friday 12th May 2006. At Dhammakaya Temple, Thailand, we celebrate the Buddharatanam in such a graceful way.
Alms-Offering Ceremony
As early as 6.00 am, we will start a new day in full glory by offering alms (foods and the consumables) to thousands of monks and novices at the eastern half of the southern wing of the Grand Meditation Amphitheatre. Be amazed by the size of the Meditation Amphitheatre and the vision of the future gathering of one million people to meditate together.
Morning Meditation
During the late morning, let’s meditate to enjoy inner peace together. Imagine the crowd sitting quietly with their own peace. Inner peace from meditation will radiate to embrace the whole world.
Lunch Offerings to the Monks
Just before noon, we will offer lunch to monks as Sanghadana (givings dedicated to the Order of monks). Enjoy lunch offering ceremony and receive blessings from thousands of monks in the sacred Pali language.
Afternoon Meditation & Dhamma Listening
The afternoon sermon is worth attending to. Phrarajbhavanavisudh, better known as Luang Phor Dhammajayo, will guide meditation practice and give dhamma sermon to the audience. His teachings are simply applicable to day-to-day busy life. However, meditation is just the core of everyone’s everyday life, as taught by Luang Phor Dhammajayo.
Lifetime Ordination of 15 Monks
Meanwhile, at the main chapel, there is a lifetime ordination of 15 monks. As Lord Buddha himself declared renunciation in pursuit of enlightenment, all 15 monks dedicate their lives to follow the Lord Buddha on this special Vesak Day.
Evening Circumambulation in Homage to Lord Buddha
In the Oriental culture, circumambulation is the act of moving around a holy (worshipped) object or place. In Buddhist culture, the direction of circumambulation is clockwise. From 6.00 pm onwards, we will experience the enjoyable peace from the luminous procession of laypeople holding candles for 4 kilometers. The circumambulation will encircle the Dhammakaya Cetiya.
Vesak Day is the day to pay homage to the Lord Buddha. Make Vesak Day 12th May this year another best day in your life. Come and be part of the best day of the world. Enjoy each unique meritorious event from dawn to dusk. Bring light of peace with you and share happiness to everyone.
Schedule
06.00 am Alms-Giving Ceremony
09.30 am Morning Meditation
10.45 am Lunch-Offering Ceremony
01.30 pm Afternoon meditation / Lifetime Ordination Ceremony at the Chapel
02.30 pm Donation time
03.30 pm Dhamma sermon by Luang Phor Dhammajayo
04.30 pm Meeting the newly ordained monks at the Great Sapha Dhammakaya Hall
05.30 pm Gathering at the Grand Meditation Amphitheatre for Vesak Circumambulation
Photo Gallery
Welcoming the "Buddha Day" by offering alms to thousands of monks
All walks of life and ages enjoy the habit of giving
Samaneras (novices) receive robes and alms-bowl from their respective parents.
Samaneras (novices) on the way to the Uposatha (Chapel) to be ordained as monks.
Ordination in process in the Uposatha.
Laypeople enjoy having 15 lifetime newly-ordained monks.
Phrarajbhavanavisudh lit the first light in homage to Lord Buddha on Vesak Day
Youths getting ready for circumambulation
Hands holding lanterns in glorious rows
Brilliant lanterns shining aglow in rows of miles long
Rows of glory brighten the Vesak night sky with the Dhammakaya Cetiya presiding in the centre.
