The month of Vesak, which commemorates the historical Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing, has been celebrated recently in many places around the world. This year Vancouver is enjoying two such celebrations, one on 16 May and another on 30 May.
From Vesak Vancouver Facebook
The earlier event, organized by United Sangha, was held at the Italian Cultural Centre from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Various activities took place, such as a purification ceremony, Dharma talks by monastics, and a panel discussion on global affairs. “What we are trying to do is harness positive and wholesome energy in that one room and teach everyone with guided meditation and also guided loving kindness,” one of the organizers, Shifu Zhihan, was quoted as saying (CBC News).
From Vesak Vancouver Facebook
United Sangha is a collaboration of 38 Buddhist monastics from different traditions. It was decided to organize the Vesak day event to address the ongoing issue of ethnic and cultural segregation within Buddhist communities in Canada, and to promote better interaction between such groups. Zhihan commented, “The truth is, it’s hard to be rivals when there is no common language to argue on. However, I am aware of the healthy competition that exists between the different temples within each ethnic community, depending on the size of the community” (The Vancouver Sun).
The second celebration, the “BC Buddhist Festival,” will take place at the UBC Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre on Saturday 30 May, from 9.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Instituted by Tsengdok Rinpoche and coordinated by the BC Buddhist Festival Committee, the event aims to bring together more than 20 Buddhist communities and thousands of participants from around British Columbia to pray for world peace and harmony.
Media Coverage: Vesak in "Asian Pacific Post." From Vesak Vancouver Facebook
The day-long festival, with the motto “One Buddha, Many Traditions,” will see nuns and monks from different traditions gathered on stage in prayer. Asian Pacific Post reports the event will also have a Buddha wishing tree and Buddha bathing area, and a display of rituals, customs, music, crafts, and vegetarian food. Craft items such as lotus lanterns will also be made during the event. 45 per cent of the proceeds from the sale of these items will be donated to BC Children’s Hospital and the VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation’s Palliative Care Fund, while a further 45 per cent will be given to participating Buddhist communities. The remaining 10 per cent will go towards next year’s event.
“Charity and service are cornerstones of Buddhist life,” commented Tsengdok Rinpoche.
The event is free of charge.