Many Buddha's Birthday Celebrations
At this time of the year the Buddhist world celebrates the birthday of our founder, the Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who became Shakyamuni Buddha. The dates are uncertains and the calendars are various, so any Spring we might attend five or six different Buddha's birthday celebrations. Last Sunday I went to the Buddhist Council of Northern California's Buddha's birthday in Berkeley. Nine traditions sent Sangha members, 150 people attended and a good time was had by all.
My old friend Bhante Assaji, from India, appeared by surprise. When we knew each other in 1983 he was a young monk with a reputation as somebody who would float on boats to rescue people stranded by floods in the lowlands.
He has since become the Chief Priest in all of India, quite a distinction. It was great meeting him again!
It's always wonderful to meet old friends again :)
Posted by: Julia | May 14, 2008 at 07:36 PM
wow rescuing stranded people is good karma. and if u help people you can bring dharma to them. i know a high lama who feeds homeless with his own hands.
you know how in kundun he says he will be a boat for all those who need to cross the water?
Posted by: grody barbie | June 05, 2008 at 08:26 PM