The Oriental Museum will celebrate Buddha’s Birthday on Saturday 27 May, from 12-4pm . Buddha’s Birthday, also known as Vesak, is celebrated around the world and commemorates the birth of Buddha in around 563 BCE. Born a prince, Buddha went on to renounce his privileged royal life and become a holy man, ultimately reaching Enlightenment.
Activities for allThe Museum will be decorated in spectacular style with paper cranes and white lanterns and will be offering lots of activities suitable for the whole family. Buddhist practitioners will offer a guided meditation and a talk on Buddhism. There will also be an artist-led lantern making workshop for children, a gallery trail and a retelling of the story of Buddha’s life.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to pour flower-scented water over a statue of the infant Buddha, symbolising the cleansing of body, speech and thoughts.
Robert Bluck, a Zen Buddhist practitioner collaborating with Museum staff on the event, explains: “Meditation and chanting are both important in Buddhist practice. I will lead a simple meditation session on the day, which people are very welcome to join. I will also chant the Buddha’s words on loving-kindness, wishing all beings well.”
Collaborating with the community
Charlotte Spink, the Learning Coordinator based at the Oriental Museum said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to this family-friendly event. Collaborating with the local Buddhist community and student volunteers has really helped us to create a programme with something for everyone.”
There is no need to book for this event, just drop in anytime between 12 – 4pm to join the celebrations.
Find out more:
/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/central-news-and-events-images/83431-1920X290.jpg)