Vesak Celebration
Buddha’s Birthday Ceremony
The Buddha’s birthday is celebrated in the spring. the exact date varies among traditions, but most ceremonies include bathing the baby Buddha. This ceremony can be organized by the children with the help of a few adults.
A small house of bamboo or wood can be made for the statue of the baby Buddha. The statue should be set on a stone in the middle of water. The roof of the house and the supporting pillars can be decorated with flowers and leaves. The children can find flowers to decorate the house. The water that is used to bathe the buddha can be perfumed with flowers and herbs. At the edge of the water is a ladle (preferably of wood or coconut shell) to pour water over the statue during the ceremony. there should be enough room for the participants to leave candles and flowers. All the participants come up in turn to offer a flower and a candle to the buddha before bathing the statue.
Walking Meditation [30 minutes]
Seated Meditation [12 minutes]
Here is a link to the Incense Offering page.
Today the community has gathered to celebrate the birth of the Buddha [and to bathe the baby Buddha]. Please, will the community listen. Two thousand six hundred years ago in the town of Kapilavastu, a Buddha known as Shakyamuni was born. He was a human being just as we are, but in him understanding and love were developed to a very high degree, and he became a fully awakened being. He was a beautiful and precious flower in the garden of humanity, an udumbara flower that blooms only once every three thousand years.
I take refuge in the Buddha,
the one who shows me the way in this life.
Namo Buddhaya, Namo Buddhaya, Namo Buddhaya.
I take refuge in the Dharma,
the way of understanding and love.
Namo Dharmaya, Namo Dharmaya, Namo Dharmaya.
I take refuge in the Sangha,
the community of mindful harmony.
Namo Sanghaya, Namo Sanghaya, Namo Sanghaya.
Namo Buddhaya, Namo Dharmaya, Namo Sanghaya.
The Buddha is a flower of humanity
who practiced the Way for countless lives.
He appeared on this Earth as a prince who left his royal palace
to practice at the foot of the Bodhi tree.
He conquered illusion.
When the morning star arose,
he realized the great path of awakening
and turned the wheel of the Dharma. 
With single-mindedness, all species aspire to experience
the path free from birth.
With single-mindedness, all species will experience
a path free from birth.
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma Sambuddhassa
Opening Verse
Today we bathe the Tathāgata.
Deep wisdom and clarity bring great happiness.
May all living beings who are overwhelmed by suffering
see the Dharmakaya in this very world.
Recitation
Chant this verse, interspersed with “The Three Refuges Song” while everyone comes forward to offer a flower and a candle to the baby Buddha. The head of ceremony is the first person to offer a candle and a flower and to ladle fragrant water over the statue of the Buddha. The children then follow, and after them the adults come forward.
Namo Budh Shakyamuni
I take refuge in the Buddha,
the one who shows me the way in this life.
I take refuge in the Dharma,
the way of understanding and of love.
I take refuge in the Sangha,
the community that lives in harmony and awareness.
Dwelling in the refuge of Buddha,
I clearly see the path of light and beauty in the world.
Dwelling in the refuge of Dharma,
I learn to open many doors on the path of transformation.
Dwelling in the refuge of Sangha,
shining light that supports me,
keeping my practice free of obstruction.
Taking refuge in the Buddha in myself,
I aspire to help all people recognize their own awakened nature,
realising the mind of love.
Taking refuge in the Dharma in myself,
I aspire to help all people fully master the ways of practice
and walk together on the path of liberation.
Taking refuge in the Sangha in myself,
I aspire to help all people build fourfold communities,
to embrace all beings and support their transformation.
Continuing the Buddha
practicing the way of awareness,
Gives rise to benefits without limit.
We vow to share the fruit with all beings.
We vow to offer tribute to parents, teachers, friends, and numerous beings
who give guidance and support along the path.
We bow in gratitude to the community of practice 
and to our teachers and their teachings.
