Buddha's Birthday Celebration

The winter is finally behind us. We are now in the warmer spring weather of April, soon to welcome the blooming flowers.

Over 2,500 years ago, on April 8th of the lunar calendar, Prince Siddhartha of Gotama, India, was born. Legend tells, at the moment of His birth, it was raining flowers from the sky, and nine dragons came to shower His body with fragrant water.

Thus the Buddhists around the globe would all hold a Buddha bathing ceremony, to celebrate Shakyamuni Buddha's birthday and to make offerings.

IBPS Chicago will have our Buddha's Birthday Celebration this year on Sunday, May 4th, on the wide open lawn just outside of our temple.

Besides the Buddha Bathing Ceremony, we also have a Baby Blessing Ceremony for newborns and children up to 10 years of age, to wish them grow up happily with Buddha's blessings. Outside on our lush lawn, we will have various kinds of delicious vegetarian food prepared for everyone's enjoyment and relaxation after the ceremonies.

Additionally, we have special indoor events planned on the same day. There will be Chinese tea ceremony, Ikebana (floral arrangement workshop), aroma workshop, and exhibition of Venerable Master Hsing Yun's calligraphy, showcasing the influence of Buddhism migration on the Chinese culture, and tracing the enrichment of life style inspired by Buddhism for over a thousand years. These activities will not only provide you the appreciation of arts, but also offer you the tranquility of the mind, and a taste of the serenity of Ch'an ( Zen ).

IBPS and BLIA Chicago are carefully planning these activities to hopefully bring you a day of happiness and peace. You and your family are cordially invited to join us for this fun-filled and meaningful event. Please contact BLIA Chicago for details. Telephone: (630) 910-1243

e-mail : chicago@ibps.org

Website: bliachicago.org.

Address: 9S043 Route 53, Naperville, IL 60565