Our festival days are key events in the Buddhist calendar. These are great opportunities to be with the Sangha and gain a larger perspective from the long tradition of Buddhism. Parinirvana Festival on the 16th February is when traditionally we reflect on impermanence in the context of the Buddhas last days and death.

Timetable

10.15.  Doors open

10.30.  Chanting and meditation and an opportunity to place

any photos of loved ones who have passed onto the shrine.

11.15. Tea

11.30. A Personal Talk from Amaladipa, ‘Be a light unto yourself-

turning towards impermanence and letting go’; exploring loss and embracing

impermanence to help us prepare for death as well as enable us to be fully

alive.

12.15. Optional discussion in small groups or meditative reflection space.

1-2.00. Shared vegan/veggie lunch – please bring something along to

contribute.

14.15 Space to get creative suitable for everyone of all ages. Making flower offerings to scatter at the buddha’s feet during the puja.

15.45 Tea

16.00 A short personal Talk from Kulamitra about his reflections on his mother’s recent death and how that might throw light on our understanding of the Buddha’s Paranirvana followed by space for meditation.

17.00 The day will be rounded off with a fabulous Special Festival Puja where

we will hear some traditional readings about the Buddhas death from the

Paranirvana Sutta, circumambulate the reclining Buddha, offer up our mantra,

scatter flowers and remember those who have passed.

18.30 End Day and clear up

The day will be rounded off with a fabulous Special Festival Puja where we will hear some of the readings from earlier, circumambulate the reclining Buddha, offer up our mantra, scatter flowers and remember those who have passed.

We really hope you can join us for all or parts of the day.