Vesak at Dhammagiri Sun 31/05 | Birth, Enlightenment & Parinibbana of the Buddha | Visakha Puja Program
- Dhammagiri
- May 4
- 2 min read
Updated: May 5
Vesak (Visakha Puja) is the most important day in the Buddhist calendar. We commemorate three main events in the Buddha's life:
1. Birth of the Bodhisatta
In beautiful Lumbini Grove under Sāl trees ('shorea robusta'), with his mother Mahāmāyā standing and holding on to the branch of an Ashoka tree ('saraca asoca'), and the newborn Bodhisatta pacing 7 steps to the North.
2. Supreme Awakening ('Sammāsambodhi')
Meditating all night, seated on the Vajirāsana ('Diamond Throne' - actually several sheafs of kusa grass offered to the Buddha which he used as his seat ), facing east to the rising sun, under the Bodhi Tree ('Ficus Religiosa') at Uruvela/Bodhgaya near the banks of Nerañjana River
3. Great Final Nibbāna ('Parinibbāna')
Lying on his right side in the Lion's posture, facing West to the setting sun, between the Twin Sāla Trees near Kusināra in the grove of the Mallas.
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Vesak One Day Full Moon Retreat Program
Sunday 31 May at Dhammagiri
08:30 am
Arrival of participants at Dhammahall
Silent Meditation
09:00 am
Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem
Observance of 8 or 5 precepts
10:00 am
Preparation of food for Almsoffering
10:30 am
Almsoffering
Anumodanā & Blessing
Shared Meal
11:50 am
Vesak Dhamma Talk
"Supreme Awakening of the Buddha"
01.00 pm Break / Walking Meditation
01:30 pm
Sutta Chanting
Silent Meditation
03:00 pm
Evening Chanting
Guided / Silent Meditation
Dhamma Reflection on Parinibbāna
Sharing Merits with All Beings
05.00 pm
End of program
The ceremony at 9.00 am is not just for those observing 8 precepts as it includes the option of taking only 5 precepts
Please observe Noble Silence out of consideration for yogis meditating all day. In particular, the back verandah is reserved only for those wishing to observe Nobel Silence
It is possible to participate only for parts of the program, but please be seated in the Dhammahall at least 15 minutes before start of sessions.
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The main sessions will be live streamed on our Youtube Channel
However, if you're already curious, you can watch Ajahn Moneyyo talking about the three main events at Vesak 2024 in the videos below:
