The Oriental Museum is hosting a free community event on Saturday 18 May, from 12 - 4pm, to celebrate Buddha’s Birthday. Also known as Vesak, Buddha’s Birthday 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.
Staff at the Oriental Museum have been working with student members of the recently-launched Durham University Buddhist Society, to deliver this free event. Activities will include art and crafts, storytelling sessions, and a gallery trail.
Members of the local Buddhist community will offer a guided meditation and a talk on Buddhism. Robert Bluck, the University’s Buddhist Chaplain to lead the meditation, said; “It’s wonderful to welcome the community to the Oriental Museum to celebrate this special day. Buddha’s message of compassion and kindness is a universal one and one that is particularly important to explore in today’s world.”
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.
Whether visitors are committed Buddhists, or just want to discover something new, this event is suitable for all the family. There is no need to book, just drop in anytime between 12 – 4pm. The event is free of charge.
Find out more:
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