The Vesak celebrations this year began on Friday, 8th May with the Lighting of Lamps and Blessings by Bhante Anandajoti and four visiting monks, two from Sri Lanka, Bhante Dhammavamsa and Bhante Saranadhamma, and two from Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary, Bhante Kumara and Bhante Balacitta.
This was followed by a Dhamma Talk on the Birth, Awakening and Passing of Lord Buddha given by Bhante Kumara in the main Shrine Hall, and blessing chants by the Sri Lankan monks at the Bodhi Tree.
On Vesak Day itself (Saturday, 9th May) the Buddhist Flag was Hoisted at 7.00 am. Then followed the traditional Pindapata, Buddha Puja and the Undertaking of 8-Precepts by Mr. Ter Ah Peng.
At 9.00 am the visiting Sri Lankan monk Bhante Dhammavamsa removed the Holy Relics for the Procession three times around the Shrine Hall, the Relics being carried by Ter Ah Peng, Goh Chee Cheang and Chandran's son Pravin. Throughout the day the three monks tirelessly chanted blessings, tied the protection strings, and performed other duties for the devotees.
After Buddha Puja and the serving of the Sangha all devotees partook of the Vegetarian Lunch prepared with great devotion by Chandran and Shanti, family and friends.
The celebrations culminated in the evening with Bodhi Puja and the Chanting of the Dhammacakkappavattanasuttam, the first discourse of the Buddha by the three monks, which records the foundation of the Sasana, and this was followed by more blessings until late into the night.
