On Saturday, 21.5.2016, K.I.B.I. opened its doors for a full day of ceremonies on the auspicious Buddha Purnima holiday. Buddha Purnima, or Vesak, marks three major events in Buddha’s life – his birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana.
At K.I.B.I., it was an occasion to come together for Dharma practice, fellowship, and reaching out to others. Throughout the day, several hundred local and international devotees visited K.I.B.I. to pay their respects, make offerings to the Buddha, and spend their day engaged in meaningful Dharma activities.
In the morning, Khenpo Mriti spontaneously taught attending devotees about the importance of Buddha Purnima, Buddha’s accomplishments during his life, and some basic yet profound points on the Buddha Dharma in ancient India and the practices of modern times. The teaching was followed by the 16 Arhats Puja and the recitation of many aspiration prayers.
At noon, all participants were invited to join K.I.B.I.’s residents for a delicious vegetarian lunch. In the afternoon, kheer and water were distributed to the public outside K.I.B.I.’s main gate. At the conclusion of the special day, K.I.B.I. was illuminated by the light of 1,000 lamp offerings.
