On
February 15th Buddhists around the world traditionally
commemorate the Buddha’s Parinirvana - Shakyamuni Buddha’s
departure from this body.
This intimate online ceremony began with meditation including a reading of excerpts from the Parinirvana Brief Admonitions Sutra - Shakyamuni Buddha's last words. The ceremony included chanting, formal offerings and traditional aspects of Soto Zen funeral services.
This intimate online ceremony began with meditation including a reading of excerpts from the Parinirvana Brief Admonitions Sutra - Shakyamuni Buddha's last words. The ceremony included chanting, formal offerings and traditional aspects of Soto Zen funeral services.
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Formal offerings of tea, cakes and sweet water |
O good followers of the path! Do not grieve! Even if I were to live in the world for as long as a kalpa, our coming together would have to end. There can be no coming together without parting. ... it may be that you will think, “The teacher’s instructions have ceased.” But it should not be seen like this. For what I have taught shall be your teacher, all living beings shall be your teacher, this bright world, and your very mind itself, shall be your teacher.
-Excerpts from the Parinirvana Brief Admonitions Sutra
