MAY, The month of Vesak

Dear members of MUBSS,

As most of us know, the most important day observed by fellow Buddhist
is the Vesak day. This day commemorates the birth, enlightenment and
death of a teacher, the Buddha. On this month alone, there are a
number of events held across the City of Melbourne. They are as
follows:

1. United Nations Day of Vesak- Victorian observance 2009

Description- An event which will bring together Buddhists from
different traditions to celebrate Vesak (the Birth, Passing and
Enlightenment of the Buddha).
We are planning a colourful and exciting program of multicultural
song, dance and performance based on themes relating to Buddhism and
the life of the Buddha.
There will also be talks on Buddhism and the spiritual path,
meditation and chanting, a procession of monks and nuns representing a
range of Buddhist traditions – Theravadan and Mahayana traditions from
countries such as Vietnam, China, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Japan and Thailand
– and a delightful “bathing of the baby Buddha” ceremony.
And you will have a chance to browse the stalls in the foyer offering
information about the various traditions and centres, books, and more.
So please feel free to come along and bring your family and friends to
this very special birthday celebration!

Date: 9 May 2009 (the Official Holiday in most asian countries)

Location: Melbourne Town Hall, Cnr Collins/Swanston St

Time: 2-4:30pm approx

(For more info, check out: http://www.unvesak.org/)

2. Buddha’s Day Festival @ Federation Square

Description- Organized by Buddha’s Light International Association
(BLIA or Fo Guang Shan), the event is held to commemorate the birth of
the Buddha and to introduce the traditions of Buddhist ceremony of
this key religious festival to the greater public. Buddha’s Day and
Multicultural Festival incorporates the traditions of Buddhist
ceremony including the “Bathing of the Buddha”, daily Dharma
ceremonies, the Wishing Bell and traditional incense offerings; a
vegetarian culinary tour of Asia alongside the Yarra on the River
Terrace; cultural demonstrations and insights; music; art and craft,
community service groups providing information and assistance to
Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike plus special activities and games
for the younger of body and mind.

Date: 16-17 May 2009

Location: Federation Square

Time: TBA (refer to Buddha Day homepage)

(For more info, check out: http://www.buddhaday.org.au/index.html)

3. Ven. Ajahn Brahmavamso’s Visit to the Buddhaloka Centre/Buddhist
Society of Victoria (BSV)

Description- Ajahn Brahm, the Abbot of Bodhiyana Monastery, will be
with us to lead Wesak celebrations commencing Saturday 16th May and
will return to Perth on Wednesday 20th May.

Saturday 16th May: 8pm Dialogue with the Under 35s at the Buddhaloka Centre

Sunday   17th May: 8am – 5pm : Wesak celebrations at Buddhaloka Centre
8pm Dhamma talk at Monash University
Religious Centre
(Clayton Campus)

Monday  18th May: 8am – 5pm : One day retreat at Buddhaloka Centre
8pm Dhamma talk at Monash University
Religious Centre
(Clayton Campus)

Tuesday 19th May: 8am – 5pm : One day retreat at Buddhaloka Centre
8pm Dhamma talk at Buddhaloka Centre
(71-73 Darling Road, East Malvern)

Location of  the BSV:
71-73 Darling Road, East Malvern 3145

Monash University Religious Centre
Building 9
Clayton Campus map available at:
http://www.monash.edu.au/campuses/clayton.html

(For more info, check out the BSV home page:
http://www.bsv.net.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=88&Itemid=31)

Happy Vesak!!!!

With metta,

MUBSS

BE 2552