Buddha Day Festival
The Scent of the Unseen Flower
Sun 11 May | 10am - 9.30pm | In person, drop in anytime.
Led by Akashamitra and Aryavandana
‘Compassion is far more than emotion. It is something that springs
Up in the emptiness which is when you yourself are not there...’
After his Enlightenment, the Buddha saw with perfect clarity the ways in which human beings get stuck in cycles of suffering. He resonated deeply with this universal predicament, and spontaneously wished to alleviate it.
On this festival day, we’ll be evoking the compassion aspect of the Enlightened mind, which provides a key to alleviating the suffering we encounter in ourselves and in the world.
In person, drop in anytime – all are welcome.
Event Schedule
10am | Practice Morning with Meditation, Reflection and Ritual
Come to the LBC shrine room for a meditative morning of meditation, readings, reflection and ritual to help us enter more deeply into the Buddha's teaching on compassion.
Doors will re-open from 11.20–11.40am.
1pm | Shared Lunch
Please bring vegan food to share.
2.30pm | Sound Meditation
An afternoon practice period focused on meditation and deep listening.
4pm | Tea and Cake
4.30pm | ‘The Nature of Things’ - Dharma Talk by Dhammarati
Former Chair of the LBC, Dhammarati, will be giving the keynote talk for the day, exploring ‘The Nature of Things’.
5.45pm | Dinner in Mandala Café (by donation)
Cooked and served by a volunteer team.
7pm | Festival Day Puja with Mitra Ceremonies
When someone becomes a Mitra at the London Buddhist Centre, they are publicly declaring, in a ritual context, that they are a Buddhist. It's a very moving and significant event for both those becoming Mitras and also for those witnessing. Join in this uplifting ceremony led by LBC Chair Suryagupta.
Bring cards and gifts for new Mitras if you wish.
End by 9.30pm
