SPRING AWAKENING: BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
New Date: Saturday, June 3rd Time: 9:00 am-1 pm
Location: Sky Creek Dharma Center; 120 Three Oaks Court, Chico CA 95973
Suggested Donation: $20 (no one turned away for inability to pay)
RSVP online: https://calendly.com/skycreek/sky-creek-wesak-celebration-june-3rd-2023
Sky Creek Dharma Center welcomes you to join us to celebrate the coming of spring and Wesak !
Hosted on behalf of all the Center’s meditation groups, the event will include meditation, a potluck, option Qigong body movement session, Buddhist dharma talk and a Wesak ceremony. Wesak is a traditional Buddhist holiday that commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Guatama Buddha. We remember the night of his enlightenment as well as his revelations about the nature of death, karma and rebirth, suffering and desire. To celebrate, we will come together as a community under the Center’s great Oak tree to welcome a time of new beginnings, renewal, and growth.
Schedule of Events
- 9:00am – 9:45am: Guest arrival and check-in with coffee, tea and muffins provided
- 9:10am – 9:40am: Optional Qigong Movement session (led by David)
- 9:45am – 10:00am: Chairman of the Board Welcome (led by Don)
- 10:00am – 10:40am: Wesak Ceremony (led by Jasper and Danna P)
- 10:40am – 10:55am: Entering the Bath Together (led by Chris G)
- 10:55am – 11:10am: Break
- 11:10am – 11:40am: Guided Meditation (Madeline)
- 11:40am – 11:50am: Ring out and closing remarks (Don)
- 11:50am – 1:00pm: Potluck and mixer
Questions about the event? Please email admin@skycreekdharmacenter.org or call and leave a message at (530) 592-4288. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating together as a community!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do I need to RSVP? It is preferred if possible, but walk-ins are welcome. Bring your family and friends!
What happens during a Wesak ceremony?
Wesak is a holiday celebration traditionally observed by Buddhists in Southeast Asia commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. Buddhist around the world assemble in ceremonial praise of the three treasures of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Devotees often make offerings of flowers, candles and incense, and in many traditions water is poured over a small statue of the Buddha.
What is the cost?
We are recommending a $20 donation, but all are welcome regardless of ability to pay. All donations go toward the operating costs for the Center to advance our mission. As a non-profit entity, we rely solely on donations from our community.
Are children welcome?
We encourage children to attend and participate, where they will be first in line! Children are encouraged to bring an offering to place on the altar – sometimes they like to offer pebbles, leaves, flowers, or a small favorite toy. Note that there will be a meditation for 30 minutes towards the end of the schedule that is optional with younger children.
What should I wear?
This is not a formal event, so wear something you feel comfortable meditating and socializing in. We offer chairs, benches and meditation cushions. The event will be outside so do dress with that in mind.
What if I am not a Buddhist?
All are welcome to attend. This is a community celebration of kindness, peace, freedom, and awakening — principles that transcend any religion.
What should I bring?
All attendees are encouraged to bring fresh flowers to have around the altar as well as any individual flowers they may wish to offer. Incense and fruit are also welcome. (Please don’t worry if you forget, or don’t have anything to bring, offerings will be provided!) Regular Sky Creek group attendees are planning on a lunch buffet potluck open to all, and you can bring a dish, side or treat if you wish.
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