Visakha Puja Day

May 17 – 18, 2008

Visakha Puja comes once a year, usually in May or June. It is performed to honor the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha. (The UN General Assembly, acknowledging the hope expressed by the International Buddhist Conference held in Sri Lanka in November, 1998, urged that the day of Vesak, the day of the full moon in the month of May each year, be internationally recognized, in particular at United Nations Headquarters and other United Nations offices.)

Viaskha Puja literally means “worshipping on the Full Moon of the 6^th lunar month.” Wat Thai Washington,D.C. provides the opportunity for you to come and join the ceremony as a part of the annual celebration for the cultivation of meritorious deeds.

Program

Saturday, May 17, 2008

9: 00 A.M. Metitation Retreat start 6: 00 P.M. Evening chanting by the monks and congregation
7: 00 P.M. Dhamma Talk in Thai
9: 00 P.M. Spread lovingkindness and compassion

Sunday, May 18, 2008

6: 00 A.M. Morning chanting by the monks and congregation

7: 00 A.M. Breakfast served to the monks

9: 00 A.M. Buddha’s Relic procession

10: 00 A.M. Chanting by the monks

10: 30 A.M. Offering of food to the monks

11: 00 A.M. Lunch served to the monks

11: 30 A.M. Lunch for congregation

12 Noon Religious ceremony

Candlelight procession

Sermon in Thai by the Abbot