Buddha's Birthday Celebration!

 

On a perfect weather spring day, Sunday, May 1, 

Shao Shan Temple celebrated Buddha’s birthday! 

IN-PERSON

In the afternoon, a festive celebration was held outside under crystal blue skies - the first in-person Buddha's Birthday in several years. 

An enthusiastic group gathered including many children. 

All nature seemed to celebrate the occasion, with woodpeckers echoing the Han and an eagle circling overhead. 

Participants were invited to join in a noble procession carrying parasols, walking sticks decorated with colored streamers, bubble wands and little bells. The procession was accompanied by bells, drums, and a conch. 

 Everyone had the opportunity to ladle sweet tea over a statue of the baby Buddha. 

The ceremony was followed by a delicious potluck of savory and sweet treats. During refreshments, Franklin treated everyone to a few tunes on his fiddle – a sprightly end to a joyous occasion!

ONLINE

To make the celebration more accessible, there was also an online morning program with participants joining from as far away as India! 

 During the morning program, after Rev. Kenzan’s welcome and opening blessing, 

Heather read a story of Buddha’s birth while showing illustrations. 

There was a camera close-up of ladling sweet tea over a statue of the baby Buddha accompanied by a Baika song (a Japanese Buddhist Hymn). 

Members of the sangha were also invited to make a virtual offering to the baby Buddha - these included beautiful spring flowers and fruit.