Buddha Day Festival - "Going Forth"
This event has already happened.
At the age of 29, Gautama, the man who would become the Buddha, left his comfortable home, his loving family, his friends and all his possessions in order to seek liberation from suffering for all beings. This event became known as the Great Going Forth or Great Renunciation.
Recently, Subhuti, a senior Order member, gave a talk in which he reiterated Going Forth as an ongoing practice.
But for us in the twenty-first century, whose lives may encompass a family, caring for relatives and working to pay the bills, it would not be possible to emulate Gautama’s going forth without causing hardship and suffering to those for whom we care. We also, of course, have attractions with which to contend such as mobile phones, computer games, TV and social media.
What, therefore, is the meaning for us of ‘Going Forth’, and how do we make it a part of our practice?
Join us for short talks, discussion, friendship and ritual on the topic of Going Forth on the Buddha Day Festival on May 11th.
Buddha Festival Day timetable
May 11th 2025
10.00am Arrival and welcome- Introduction to the day.
10.20 am Intro to what is happening in the day
10.30am Shrine Room: Introduction and readings on ‘Life of the Buddha’ (Going Forth), with periods of reflection
11.45 am Tea/Coffee break
12.00 pm Personal talks on ‘Going Forth’ – Ali Mendoza and Judith Hooper
13.00 pm Lunch
14.00 pm Groups – Discussion on the morning session/theme of ‘Going Forth’ and its relevance to our own lives.
14.40 pm Plenary – for general feedback
14.50 pm Comfort break
15.00 pm Mantra workshop
15.40 pm Reflection and opportunity to make pledges around ‘Going Forth’
15.50 pm Tea/Coffee break
16.00 pm Puja (with offerings of our pledges)
17.00 pm End