Today, on this very auspicious date, we have all gathered to celebrate Buddha Purnima. Buddha Purnima (also known as Buddha Jayanti, or Vesak) is traditionally celebrated to commemorate the birth of the Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Gautama Buddha. To celebrate the occasion, the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute organised a series of events, attended by all the K.I.B.I. staff, residents, and many local devotees.
The program started at 10.30am, when the monks of K.I.B.I. performed a 16 Arhats Puja and other prayers. At 2.30pm, the Honorable Professor Sempa Dorje enlightened us with a lecture on the significance of the Buddha Purnima, given in Hindi language. This was followed by the distribution of kheer and juice in front of the main gate of K.I.B.I., where all passers-by were welcome to collect some refreshments. Finally, in the evening, we performed the offering of 1000 butter lamps, and we recited prayers so that these candles of peace enlighten the lives of all sentient beings, and enable them to move beyond the suffering of samsara.
From all of us here at K.I.B.I., may the timeless teachings of Lord Buddha enlighten and bless you on this auspicious day of Vesak!
