Vesak Ceremony
වෙසක් සීල සමාදානය
Sunday, May 7, 2023

Part I: 9:00 am to 3:30 pm (8 Precepts Program)
Part II: 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm (Devotional Songs)

The full moon day of May is the Vesak day in which we commemorate the Birth, the Enlightenment and Parinirvana of the Gautama Buddha. On this day, we pay our gratitude to the Buddha and strengthen our commitment to practice the path shown by the Buddha towards enlightenment.

Please plan to attend our Vesak ceremony to honor the Buddha through material offering (Amisa Pooja) as well as offering by practice (Patipatti Pooja). Following the Buddha, let us uplift ourselves by cultivating wholesome qualities and developing wisdom.
You have also got an opportunity to offer a special flower pot to the Buddha on this Vesak ceremony. We have planned to place 10 blossomed Begonia flower pots around the outdoor Buddha statue as a Vesak decoration. These flower plants will also last for the whole summer. One flower pot costs $ 25.00. If you like to offer one, please sign up here and send your donation to the temple.
Link to offer flowers to the Buddha
https://pittsburghbuddhistcenter.org/volunteer-donate/?sheet_id=145
Link for participation at the precept program
https://pittsburghbuddhistcenter.org/volunteer-donate/?sheet_id=142

Program Schedule

Part I (Eight Precepts Program /Half-Day Retreat)
09.00 a.m. – 09.30 a.m. Observing Eight Precepts and Buddha Vandana
09.30 a.m. – 10.00 a.m. Dhamma Talk
10.00 a.m. – 10.45 a.m. Meditation
10.45 a.m. – 11.00 a.m. Break
11.00 a.m. – 11.30 a.m. Buddha Puja: Offerings to the Buddha
11.30 a.m. – 12.00 p.m. Dana / Lunch: Mindful Eating
12.00 p.m. – 12.30 p.m. Cleaning
12.30 p.m. – 01.15 p.m. Walking Meditation
01.15 p.m. – 01.45 p.m. Sitting Meditation
01.45 p.m. – 02.15 p.m. Sutta Discussion
02.15 p.m. – 02.45 p.m. Meditation on the Qualities of the Buddha
02.45 p.m. – 03.15 p.m. Chanting of Pirith
03.15 p.m. – 03.30 p.m. Reflection of the day and Dismissal of Eight Precepts

Part II (Devotional Songs)
03.30 p.m. – 04.00 p.m. Displays of Vesak Lanterns
04.00 p.m. – 05.00 p.m. Bhakthi Gee (Devotional Songs) by Children
05:00 p.m – 05.30 p.m. Bhakthi Gee (Devotional Songs) by Adults
05.30 p.m. Refreshments and end

 Eight Precepts
1. Abstaining from killing or harming any living being
2. Abstaining from taking what is not properly given (i.e. stealing)
3. Abstaining from sexual and sensual indulgence
4. Abstaining from false speech

5. Abstaining from using intoxicants
6. Abstaining from taking solid meals after noon (moderation in eating)
7. Abstaining from entertainment, dancing, singing, use of beauty products &
perfumes (modesty)
8. Abstaining from seating on high and luxurious chairs and beds (simplicity)