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Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival
Editorial ReviewEditorial Review
17-18 May
10am-5pm
Federation Square, BMW Edge and Artplay
Melbourne
This special event commemorates the birth of Prince Siddhartha Guatama, later known to the world as Buddha, and celebrates the richness of Melbourne's multicultural community.
Dharma ceremonies will take place, including traditional incense offerings and the Bathing of the Buddha, a ritual performed to bring inner purity. The festival is part of Vesak, the most important date for Buddhists around the globe. It falls on the first full moon of May, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha, as well as his entering of nirvana.
Dates vary slightly from country to country and culture to culture, but these differences matter little in light of the festival's overriding message of universal harmony and compassion. Prince Siddhartha was born more than 2 550 years ago, while his mother Queen Maya was travelling through Lumbini in Nepal. According to legend, nine dragons appeared, some breathing warm air and others cool, creating a fragrant rain that fell to purify the young prince.
The festival is organised by Fo Guang Sho Melbourne and Buddha's Light International Association of Victoria. On 17 May try some special spiritual events like the Baby Blessing Ceremony (register on 9314 5147) and on both days take the nippers down to Share Tea with Me: Children's Ch'an Tea Ceremony or a Tai Chi for the family workshop (bookings at Artplay on 9664 7900). You can also take a more foodie look at Buddhism with a vegetarian cultural tour of Asia as well catch some cultural performances at BMW edge.
Kilian David and Judith Hatton
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2 comments
jacinta: Hi there Bella, Yes, the festival is organised by people of Chinese origin, many of whom call Melbourne home whether they were born overseas or locally. In fact, all the monastics of Fo Guang Shan Melbourne are women from across Asia. The festival is now in it's 13th year, has always welcomed Buddhists and non Buddhists alike. Come down and bathe the Buddha on this very special day. (25 April 2008)
Bella: Is this organised by the Chinese? I can assume then that there won't be any Tibetan Buddhists (unless they are muzzled) (19 April 2008)
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