Zazen Instruction
1st & 3rd Saturdays
after 3rd period of zazen
9:15 AM
Call or email to register.
All Day Sittings
2nd Saturdays
Unless noted otherwise
See Schedule for details
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Wesak
Asheville’s 14th Annual Wesak
(Buddha Day) Celebration:
A Festival of Joy & Peace
What is Wesak? Wesak (lit. “Full Moon of May,” pronounced Way-Sahk, Vay-Sahk or Wee-Sahk) is a time when people all over the world celebrate the birth of Buddha, and when some cultures also celebrate his life, Enlightenment and parinirvana (death). Now in its fourteenth year in Asheville, Wesak is an inter-sangha event, representing different Buddhist traditions and local Dharma groups. This family-friendly, participatory festival includes the traditional "bathing of the baby Buddha" (with green tea), a play of the Buddha’s life, a ceremonial ‘Dharma Wheel’ dance, and a potluck vegetarian dinner, with plenty of time for socializing and New Games.
When is Wesak? This year’s Wesak will be held on Sunday afternoon, May 18, with festivities and ceremonies beginning at 3:30. At around 5:00 we’ll have the potluck vegetarian dinner.
Where is Wesak? We’ll gather at Windhorse Zen Community, 580 Panther Branch Rd., Alexander, NC (near Weaverville), 20 minutes from downtown Asheville. For directions, go to www.windhorsezen.org or call Windhorse at 828-645-8001.
Who Attends Wesak? Anyone and everyone wishing to participate in this Dharma family event is welcome, including those from other (or no) religious traditions.
What’s the Program?
3:00-3:30 People arrive and gather.
3:30 Informal processional with drumming & noisemakers; general welcome; group reps make offerings of incense and a few lines of teaching from their tradition; ceremonial ‘bathing’ of the Baby Buddha; play of the Life of Buddha, Turning-of-the-Dharma-Wheel dance.
5:00 Potluck vegetarian dinner; socializing & games
What Should People Bring? Please bring generous portions of vegetarian food to share, as well as eating utensils, plates & cups if possible (to minimize waste), and an old blanket or folding chair to sit on. Also bring along some musical instruments and drums. And if you’re a musician and are willing to play afterward, please contact us!
What About Children? Children are especially welcome! If you have children who would like to participate in the play, please contact Teijo Munnich: tmunnich@buncombe.main.nc.us or 828 216 1351.
For Further Information, contact: Sunya Kjolhede at 828-645-8001 or windhorsezencommunity@att.net
Great Tree Sesshins
(see www.greattreetemple.org for more information and directions)
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