** Saka Dawa Düchen & Potluck Lunch **
Saturday, May 25, 10 am til lunchtime
All welcome to holiday practice & gathering
@ Maitrivana, 4610 Earles St., Vancouver
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Nalandabodhi Vancouver warmly invites you to the celebration of Saka Dawa Düchen on Saturday, May 25. We’ll practice together, then enjoy a vegetarian potluck.
This major Buddhist holiday celebrates three great events in the life of Shakyamuni Buddha: his birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana. The Buddha was born in Lumbini, became enlightened during a full moon night in the city of Bodhgaya, and entered parinirvana (passed away) in the city of Kushinagar.
Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche suggests that on Saka Dawa Düchen, we “get up early in the morning [come to Maitrivana!], chant “In Praise of the Twelve Deeds of the Buddha,” meditate on Buddha throughout the day, and be mindful yet relaxed with family and sangha.”
Saka Dawa is one of the most auspicious days of the year. Actions taken on this day are said to carry considerable karmic weight, both positive and negative. Saka Dawa is a wonderful opportunity to practice together as a sangha and to celebrate the rich inheritance we received from the Buddha who, through example, showed the path to liberation. It’s also customary to bring goodies, flowers, candles, monetary offerings, any good quality offerings for the shrine — however small, however delectable. We’ll enjoy goodies and lunch together after the practice.
SCHEDULE for Sat., May 25
Auspicious chants: 10 am – 12 noon
Potluck lunch: 12 noon til 1:30 (vegetarian, please)
Please note, this Saka Dawa Düchen practice will be in lieu of our monthly Sangha Day community practice (usually the last Sunday of the month). In other words, don’t show up on Sunday morning, come on Saturday morning instead 
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Everyone welcome. Feel free to pass this message along.
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Maitrivana, the Garden of Loving Kindness, 4610 Earles Street, Vancouver BC (near 29th Avenue SkyTrain)
Website: http://vancouver.nalandabodhi.ca
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