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Vesak is Lord Buddha's birthday.

The Buddhist calendarical systems included twelve lunar months. In Sinhala these months are
known as:

(1) Bak (March April)
(2) Vesak
(3) Poson
(4) Esala
(5) Nikini
(6) Binara
(7) Vap
(8) Il
(9) Unduvap
(10) Durutha
(11) Navan
(12) Medin

So Vesak relates to April-May.

On Uposatha days, lay Buddhists observe 8 precepts.

What we call Vesak is a special Uposatha Day.

It is a very important occasion amongst practitioners of Buddha Dhamma as this is the date that Buddha Sakyamuni was born, attained Supreme Enlightenment and passed away.

Versak is the name of a month on the lunar calendar that was used over 2500 years ago.

In the local system, it is the full moon in the month in May in our calendar. Where two full moon days occur in that month, it is celebrated on the second.

Over the years, our Centre has celebrated this most important day on the time of the local moon as supplied by the Victorian times on Australian moon charts.

It was at Versak in 1955 when our Teacher John D. Hughes came to good recollection of Buddha Dhamma due to good things done in the past times.

It was not too early or too late for him to develop the resources and skills needed to help persons find the Buddhist Path.

At Versak, in 1955 Christian Era, evidence suggests that there were only two Noble persons in Australia. Today, it. is of consequence, for the well being of many, that there are several persons living in Australia who have attained that true mark of Buddha Dhamma, Dhamma Eye.

That is, they have attained stream entry access (sotopan) or better.

He worked for many years to educate himself and gather the set of teaching skills and resources he needed to begin to set up the practical aspects and materiality needed to teach.

After teaching for some time, our Teacher founded the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd on his birthday, 9 September 1978 and it was incorporated on the 21st July 1980.

On 10th May 1980, the original Members of this Centre recorded Pali chanting at the Ethnic Radio Station 3EA.

Zarna Somaja read a sutta in the Hindi language.

This recording was played by 3EA on the morning of Versak, 29th May 1980.

That evening, a Puja was performed at the Centre.

It is a matter of record that Buddha awoke to full knowledge under the full moon in the lunar month of Versak under the Bodhi Tree, a member of the fig family of trees.

He had spent many years sitting at the feet of great religious Teachers of the day to learn from them. They taught him a lot but none of them really knew the causes of human suffering and how it could be overcome.

Eventually, after 6 years Study and Meditation (bhavana) he had an experience in which all ignorance fell away.

He certainly understood, from that day on the Vesak Full Moon, he had a feeling that his mind was empty and clear which gave him some sort of wisdom.

The clear mind helped him to understand the future, the past and now. He knew ahead of time what was going to happen. He was called the Buddha, the Awakened One. He lived for another 45 years.

During that time, he traveled to Northern India teaching others what he had discovered. His compassion was legendary and He made thousands of followers. In his 80th year, he was old and sick but still happy and at peace he finally passed away. We have a Bodhi tree at our Centre in Upwey for more than 10 years. Since then we have planted others.

The seed from this tree came from the original tree under which the Buddha sat in India in ancient times.

Recently, we build a glass and plastic surround for our Bodhi Tree.

It has had a record year of growth on our original planting and is now 1.6 metres high.

We have plants in the outer surround and this week have added many yellow flowering plants in celebration of Versak.

We are not sad that Buddha passed away at another full moon in the month of Versak.

Accordingly, throughout the Buddhist world, millions of persons hold special remembrance services on the full moon in May.

Our Centre has developed a Versak similar to most of the Buddhist world culture where we extend our regular practice so we are sitting in meditation at that full moon time with the millions of persons sitting in different lands.

The result of practice is refreshing and healthful and something you would hardly believe unless you have experienced it for yourself

This year (Versak 2000) as usual we will have many Monks visit us. We offer them DANA and they provide chanting to bless us and strengthen our practice.

We will release 70 pigeons.

The real benefits of this observance explain why this practice continues to last over 2500 years.

Major events of our Centre are celebrated on that day.

For the celebration of Versak in 1981 (Buddhist Era 2525) a Vesak service was held at the Centre on 16th May for Members.

In 1982 on Saturday, 8th May Members celebrated Versak by taking 8 precepts and practicing mindful action throughout the day.

Achaan Lee's nook, "Keeping the Breath in Mind", translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu, was read in full by some students during the afternoon.

On Sunday, 9th May, 1982 the Buddhist Society of Victoria celebrated Versak as an open day at Buddhist House and the Sri Lankan community provided food for over 200 people who attended.

A number of recorded talks were played and walking meditation and Metta meditation was practiced throughout the day.

Several members of our Centre attended.

On Versak, the full moon day on 22nd May, 1983, members of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. celebrated the birth, enlightenment and parinibbana of the Buddha at the Centre.

About ten students from the Centre practiced mindfulness whilst cleaning the altars and polishing the images. Members celebrated Versak at the Centre over three days.

Versak was celebrated on 4th and 5th of May 1985 (Christian Era) at the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.

The ceremony began on the evening of the 4th May.

Meditation was guided by the our Teacher, John D. Hughes. The theme of the Meditation was to access the energy of the Sangha at the time of the Buddha's Assemblies and ultimately to access the highest, most profound Dhamma (Lokuttara Dhamma).

Lokuttara Dhamma (Pali) is transcendental knowledge, direct insight into the way things are. It is the highest of the world, sublime, profound and liberating. Buddhist practitioners develop Lokuttara knowledge's through meditation.

The lower order knowledges or worldly knowledges are called Lokiya in Pali. This is knowledge about the world but does not produce insight towards Liberation.

The celebrations for Versak 1985 continued on the morning of Sunday 5 May. Preparations began for the placement of the new Dhamma Wheel, sculptured by Martin Lawless.

In order to ensure a minimum of harm while the hole was being dug in which to position the new Dhamma Chakkra Wheel, Loving Kindness was sent to the animals and Nagas dwelling in the area.

Offerings of flowers, perfume and incense were made around the area to help preserve and protect the Dhamma Wheel. Any insects on the Wheel were gently removed before it was moved and placed in the hole.

The Mangala Sutta was chanted, in Pali, by Martin Lawless, a Committee Member of Buddhist Discussion Centre. (Upwey) Ltd., to call Devas to protect the Wheel. Chanting is a feature of Apotropaic Buddhism. 'Apotropaion' is a technical term derived from Greek, which means any amulet or supposed charm against evil influences. Apotropaic therefore indicates averting evil; of or pertaining to an apotropaion.

The Wheel was placed to face east, signifying the direction of Buddha's Birthplace. A Tibetan gong was struck as the Wheel was placed into the ground, inviting any Celestial beings wishing to view the ceremony. The soil was carefully placed back into the hole to provide new homes for any animal beings.

Although the Dhamma Chakkra Wheel has been used to depict the doctrine in general, it primarily stood for the first sermon of the Buddha. It stated that the Buddha delivered the 'Dhamma Chakkra Pavattana Sutta' to the group of five Monks at the Deer Park at Varanasi.

In early art, this incident is illustrated by a Wheel flanked by a pair of deer.

The Dhamma Wheel, the ever moving Wheel of Law, is the most prominent symbol of the Buddhists.

The turning of the Wheel of Law in Buddhism has the sense of Realising (pativedha nana) and Proclaiming the Truth (Desana nana).

The Wheel signifies concepts such as the cycle of births (Samsara or bhava) in close association with the doctrine of Dependent Origination. The eight spokes of the Wheel represent the Noble Eightfold Path, being:

1. Right Understanding (samma ditthi)
2. Right Purpose (samma sankappa)
3. Right Speech (samma vacca)
4. Right Bodily Action (samma kammanta)
5. Right Livelihood (samma ajiva)
6. Right Endeavour (samma vayama)
7. Right Mindfulness (samma sati)
8. Right Concentration (samma samadhi)

Buddhists throughout the world view Vesak as a time to pay homage to the Buddha and especially the most recent Buddha.

Going back into the distant past of the universe which has appeared and disintegrated in much earlier times, the Buddha came across innumerable periods of earlier Buddhas and some Buddhists pay their homage in veneration of the known 28 Buddhas.

If the very long past is considered, it is clear that the Buddhas are infinite in number.

In time to come, future Buddhas will appear.

All these Buddhas are respected in the sense that they taught the same teaching of how to attain the peace of Nirvana.

In other words, they taught the Path that leads to no more rebirth. These Teachings are Lokuttara Dhamma and can be presented as the Four Noble Truths.

They are:

1. The Truth that life is suffering
2. The Truth that the cause of the suffering is attachment
3. The Truth that there is a path out of the suffering
4. The Truth of the Noble Eightfold Path

Common practice among Buddhists at Vesak is to make offerings of light, flowers, perfumed smoke and also to participate in Buddhist chanting.

Buddhists understand clearly the idea of these offerings and recitals by devotees is not to please the Buddhas but to please themselves.

The notion behind generosity is to remove the quality of greed within the devotee. However, Buddhists should not satisfy themselves by simply offering something in the name of the Buddha or merely reciting some verses of Suttas and think that their duty is done and completed.

To become good Buddhists they have to do something more: that is to correct themselves by following the advice given by the Buddha.

One should not think that by just offering something to the Buddha one's sins could be washed off.

The Centre's practice comprised an English language reading of the UPALI SUTTANTA (Majjhima - Nikaya No.56), and Pali language readings of the MANGALA SUTTA and DHAMMAPALA, FIRST CHAPTER, TWIN VERSES. Pali and English Chanting was followed by Dhamma talks by John D. Hughes and Member John Mahoney. Sitting Meditation followed.

In the same year a Vesak ceremony was held on the 17 May at Buddhist Society of Victoria.

The ceremony was conducted by Venerable Shanti Bhadra and attended by many Sri Lankans in their traditional white Uposatha attire.

Members of our Centre attended and took 8 precepts. Sri Lankan people generously provided the food.

The Vesak Full Moon commemorates many important events in the dispensation of the Buddha for Sri Lankan people, including:

I. In the eighth year of Lord Buddha's Enlightenment he visited Kelaniya, a town in Sri Lanka (Ceylon), and also made the imprint of His sacred foot on the crest of Sri Lanka

2 The Buddha visited Sri Lanka for the third time and consecrated sixteen sacred shrines.

3. King Devanampiyatissa performed a second consecration when he received the five ensigns of royalty from Emperor Asoka of India.

4. The inauguration of work in connection with the construction of Ruvanveli Dagaba in Anuradhapura.

The Observance Day (Uposatha or Poya Day) relates to the day preceding four stages of the moon's waxing and waning viz 1st, 8th, 15th and 23rd nights of the lunar months.

The Buddha explained that when a man or woman keeps the Uposatha day with the eight qualifications, they may arise, on the breaking up of the body after death, among the retinue of the Devas, whose life span is over 900 million years. (Anguttara N. Kaya IV).

Such Deva births are impermanent. An eternal heaven does not exist permanently anywhere.

The Buddhist goal is Nibbana. Nibbana is not a kind of heaven where a transcendental ego resides; but it is attained when the necessary conditions are fulfilled.

It is for self-realization (paccattam veditabbo) by Buddhists.

May such practices become better understood by all sentient beings.

We express our deep sense of gratitude of Buddhist Society of Victoria for creating the conditions for such a fortunate occasion which contributes to harmonious multiculturalism in Australia.

It is important to recollect how Members at our Centre have celebrated Versak over many Years.

Versak Celebration 1987 Christian Era.

On 10 May 1987, the Sunday prior to Versak, the Vietnamese Buddhist Association of Victoria (Hoi Phat Giao Viet Nam Tai Victoria) celebrated this occasion in the Collingwood Town Hall, Melbourne, Victoria, with chanting and prayers by the Vietnamese Monks.

After the prayers and chanting, speeches were made by various visiting dignitaries including Mr Peter Spiker, Victorian Government Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Mr Roger Pescott, Victorian Opposition Shadow Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Reverend Thich Tam Phuong, Director of Quang Minh Temple, Sunshine, Victoria and on behalf of the Most Venerable. Thich Phuoc Hue, President of Indo-Chinese Refugees, Venerable Thich Huyen Ton, Vice- President of the Vietnamese Buddhist Federation of Australia and New Zealand and Mr John D. Hughes, President of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.

Following the delivery of speeches, many pigeons were released from cages by Monks and lay people to symbolize liberation of the mind. Lunch was then offered by the Vietnamese Community to all who were present at the Town Hall.

Versak is a very important occasion amongst practitioners of Buddhism as this is the date that Buddha Sakyamuni was born and also attained Supreme Enlightenment.

It is traditionally held on the day of the full moon in May; where two full moon days occur in that month, it is celebrated on the second.

Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. Members prepared for Versak with such activities as:

1. Tidy garden completely. Make it a Heavenly Dharma Garden, desirable and acceptable to the Buddha to walk with ease and view with Blessings.

2. Clean all altars and images completely. Make them desirable and acceptable to the Dharma.

3. Clean house completely. Make it desirable and acceptable for the Sangha.

4. Arrange flowers on altars, offer light and offer incense and offer water and offer perfume. Make them desirable and acceptable for the Guru.

5. Arrange food for Wednesday. Consider taking extra precepts.

6. Tidy up Ch'an Academy completely to make it desirable and acceptable to the Ch'an Masters.

7. Arrange texts to be chanted by the Heavenly Assembly of Bodhisattvas and Devas.

8. Make Dana offerings to Bodhisattvas and Devas and each other and the Centre Teacher.

9. Practice patience (third perfection) for the sake of all sentient beings and your Teacher.

10. Maintain Morality (in Pali sila) to guard your future happiness.

Members were instructed to act as if you wish that a Dharma Teaching Buddha with His Sangha was to visit here at Versak. They were instructed to clean the ground (of the Heavenly Dhamma Garden, of the Temples and of your minds), so that Buddha may feel welcome to visit.

Practice Amity (friendliness).

On the eve of Versak, 12 May 1987, members of Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. were honoured with a visit by Sandup Tsering from Tara Institute, East Brighton, Melbourne.

Sandup is the translator of the Teachings given by the Venerable Geshe Doga at Tara Institute.

Members of Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. who celebrated Versak at the Centre were honoured with the presence of Venerable Dr. Viriyananda from the Melbourne Thai Buddhist Temple, Box Hill. The Venerable chanted in Pali the Mangala Sutta and guided members present in Meditation.

That evening John D. Hughes guided Meditation and Committee Member Leonard Armitage donated a Tibetan Thangka to the Centre.

Leonard also presented members with Maitreya Mantras to commemorate Versak.

VERSAK CELEBRATIONS - 31ST MAY 1988 - (2532 Buddhist Era)

Versak is considered to be an auspicious time by Buddhists throughout the world.

It was on the full moon day in May that the Buddha was born, became Enlightened and passed away more than 2500 years ago.

Members of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. celebrated Versak in a number of ways.

A prevailing theme of the meditations led by John D. Hughes at this time was the 'Perfection of Gratitude'.

It is very wise for the Dhamma practitioners to cultivate gratitude as this quality makes the students more receptive to the Teachings, and creates the conditions for ease of practice and the strong connections to the Dhamma in the future.

1. Remembrance of kind actions

As part of their practice, Centre Members made lists of seven kind actions that other Members had performed towards them over the past year. This practice allows the receiver to recall the kindness and support that many others have shown and the givers acknowledge their own wholesome actions, which they may have either forgotten or not fully cognated.

2. Visit by Venerable Viriyanando Mahathero

On the evening of Versak, the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. was honoured by the attendance of the Venerable Viriyanando Mahathero. The Venerable was thanked by the Members for his kind actions to many beings and his help to this Centre throughout the past year.

3. Ch'an Quan Yin Pond

A Ch'an Quan Yin pond (see 'Free Press' article - 14th June 1988 at p. 5), was completed shortly before Versak, as part of a developmental program of the Ch'an Academy (the Ch'an Academy is a registered trading name of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.)

Constructed with the mindfulness of Ch'an Buddhism, the locally quarried rocks of which the pond was built were mindfully laid down one at a time, under the guidance of Meditation Teacher John D. Hughes. The method of placement could be described as: 'one rock only; one rock only'. Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. students were taught to place each rock 'once only' without holding attachment to the final imagined arrangement of the pond.

Quan Yin (Bodhisattva of Compassion Aspect of Buddha) stands facing in a Westerly direction (towards Pure Land) under a brass canopy on the middle of the pond.

The final form of the pond is a natural and uncontrived manifestation of the pure mind of Ch'an.

On the evening of Versak, Centre Members circumnambulated the pond three times in the presence of Venerable Viriyanandao.

Versak Celebrations with Vietnamese Buddhists

Several Centre Members, including Meditation Teacher John D. Hughes, Director of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. attended the Vietnamese Celebration of Versak at the ColIingwood Town Hall on 5th June 1988.

After a speech by the Most Venerable Thich Phuoc Hue, Chairman of the Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation of Australia and New Zealand and President of the Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation of Victoria, there was chanting by lay-women who had taken robes for the day, and the Monks offered incense and light at the altar. Visiting politicians and dignitaries made speeches praising the Vietnamese Community in their new homeland Australia.

At the conclusion of the Ceremony, many pigeons were released by the visitors. May all beings be well and happy.

Our 1990 Versak celebration was observed by running a long life Puja with chanting.

On the evening of 9th May 1990, a Long Life Puja was performed by Members and friends of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. under the guidance of our President, Mr. Frank T. Carter and Vice President Mr. Roger M. Armitage.

The text used was 'The Sutra of Visualizing The Buddha of Immeasurable Length of Life, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva of the Most Happy World'.

The Buddha when requested by Ananda said that the Sutra may also be entitled 'The Sutra of Purifying Evil Deeds and Being Born in the Presence of the Buddhas.'

The Sutra details the story of Queen Vaidehi of Rajagriha City who having become disgusted with the suffering in the world, requested the Buddha Sakyamuni to 'Teach her how to visualize the Place of Pure Karma'.

The Buddha, after teaching the need to cultivate the three virtues, revealed the 16 point method for 'Visualizing the Most Happy Land of Amida Buddha'.

The students were instructed to apply their minds to the visualization method whilst chanting the Sutra.

Having recited the Sutra for one hour, circumambulation of Centre's premises was performed followed by circumambulation inside the Meditation Hall using the Mantra 'Naino Amita Fo'.

Through the practice of turning the mind toward the Buddha, under the ideal conditions, wholesome minds are developed and vast merit is accumulated.

The merit thus accumulated was dedicated to our precious Teachers that they may have long life and good health.

Full Moon Meditation Practice

Fifteen Members assembled in the Meditation Hall just prior to the actual time of the full moon, Thursday 10 May 1990, at 0531 hours.

This highly virtuous activity included the chanting, recollection and meditation on the 'Verses on the Asseverations of Truth'.

SACCAKIRIYAGATHA
NATTHI ME SARANAM ANNAM For me there is no other refuge
BUDDHO ME SARANAM VARAM The Buddha truly is my refuge
ETENA SACCAVAJJENA By the speaking of this truth
SOTTHI TE HOTU SABBADA Ever may you be in safety!
NATTHI ME SARANAM ANNAM For me there is no other refuge
DHAMMO ME SARANAM VARAM The Dhamma truly is my refuge
ETENA SACCAVAJJENA By the speaking of this truth
SOTTHI TE HOTU SABBADA Ever may you be in safety!
NATTHI ME SARANAM ANNAM For me there is no other refuge
SANGHO ME SARANAM VARAM The Sangha truly is my refuge
ETENA SACCAVAJJENA By the speaking of this truth
SOTTHI TE HOTU SABBADA Ever may you be in safety! (1)

Meditators mindfully contemplated the power of this truth asseveration during a walking meditation circumambulation of the Centre. Members carried incense offerings during this noble practice of confidence, compassion and generosity.

Blessings from Monks - Offerings to Monks.

Immediately following the morning Meditation program on Thursday 10 May 1990, Members and Friends of the Buddhist Discussion Cenre (Upwey) Ltd. began preparations for the visit to our Centre of Venerable Members of the Sangha resident at several Viharas (Temples) around Melbourne.

Food (that had been placed before the main Altar the night before for the Puja Ceremony) was prepared mindfully by Members. The Centre was cleaned in preparation for the occasion. The Monks arrived at 10.15 a. m. and were greeted at the main gate by John D. Hughes, our resident Meditation Teacher.

The visiting Monks were:

Venerable Viriyananda - Box Hill (The Melbourne Thai Buddhist Temple)
Venerable Nandabaro - Noble Park (Wat Buddharangsee)
Venerable Soma - Springvale (Sri Lankan Buddhist Vihara)
Venerable Sovani Sthey - Noble Park (Wat Buddharangsee)
Venerable Somphanh Keomani Vone - Nunawading (Wat Lao Melbourne)
Venerable Sayachak - Nunawading (Wat Lao Melbourne)
Venerable Khemawaro - Box Hill (The Melbourne Thai Buddhist Temple)
The following 'Parits/Suttas' were chanted by the visiting Monks in the Meditation Hall. A
tape recording of these chants was made.

(1) Virtues of Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha
(2) Mangala Sutta
(3) Karallya Metta Sutta
(4) Bhawatusabba Mangalam
(5) Jaya Piritta

Sangha Dana (food offerings were made to the seven Monks. After sharing Blessings, the Monks departed the Centre at 1.15 p.m.

A very happy day of great virtue was shared by the Sangha and lay people.

The first Theravada Temple in Australia was established in 2517 Buddhist Era /1973 Christian Era on Versak in New South Wales under the patronage of Venerable Ratmalona Somaloka.

The arrival of Venerable Gangodawila Soma about a year ago enthused the Sri Lankan Buddhists, resident in Melbourne, to set up the new Vihara, the affairs of which are conducted in a truly democratic manner in keeping with Lord Buddha's Teachings.

A bilingual Newsletter BODU PUWATH in Sinhalese and English is published by the committee.

Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. Members welcomed the opportunity of discussion with Mr. Olcott Gunasekera, President of the Dharmavijaya Foundation, 50 Anada Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka, who attended the ceremony.

May this Vihara be a source of inspiration to the people of Australia to learn the Buddha Dhamma.

On Friday 15 May 1992, a set of Tipitaka in the English language was officially installed on a specially prepared bookcase on the wall near the main altar.

During the day, the Meditation Hall and premises were cleaned and the altars decorated with offerings. In the evening, Venerable Dr.Viriyanando Mahathera, Bhante Kassapa, Venerable Soma, Venerable Dhammagavesi, Venerable Dhammadharo and Venerable Thich Thien Tam arranged chanting of blessings.

At Vesak on 15 May 1995, our Patron, Venerable Ajarn Chanhphy Manivong performed the "Dotting of the Eye" ceremony on the Padmasambhava image at the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.

On that day, Ajarn reminded persons that the Lord Buddha had no Temple when he awakened at Versak with only the Bodhi tree for shade, where he practiced in the forest.

Versak celebration activities planned to occur at our Centre on Thursday 18th of May to celebrate Versak 2000 begin at 9:30 a.m.

A very rare event called the Honey Blessing Water Ceremony for John D. Hughes will take place.The ceremony will be performed by venerable Ajarn Chanhphy Manivong.

Thank you to the Most Venerable Ajarn Manivong.

This special ceremony is to bring special honey blessings to John D. Hughes. This is amrita for John D. Hughes to give him long life, good health and happiness to help him continue to teach the Buddha Dhamma.

Pre-ceremony preparations have involved the Most Venerable Ajarn Manivong chanting for three days over 101 red roses.

Venerable Ajarn Manivong will bring the flowers to the Centre on Versak Day and three cars will be provided by Members to escort him to the Centre.

The ceremony will begin at 5 pm.

For the ceremony, John D. Hughes will sit on:

1. Pink cloth
2. Purple cloth used as a robe and
3. A yellow silk scarf
4. A new brass bowl large enough to hold the petals of the 101 red roses and warm water will be used for the ceremony.

Members will each bring:

A new cup to use for pouring the blessing water and will each offer a bundle of two red candles, one flower and three incense sticks as part of the ceremony.

Members will place the petals of the 101 red roses in warm water in the new bowl.

Members will carry their bundle of candles, flower and incense and circumambulate the Centre three times.

John D. Hughes will sit on the pink cloth wearing the purple robe and yellow scarf.

Venerable Ajarn Manivong will chant Buddha blessings and guide all present in chanting.

At the full moon time, each person present, using their new cup, will pour the warm water with red rose petals over John D. Hughes.

May you be well and happy.

May all beings be well and happy.

This Buddhist Hour Radio Program Script was written and edited by John D. Hughes, Julian Bamford, Frank Carter and Leanne Eames.

References
References:

(1) Ref: Pali Chanting with translations pub. Mahamakut W.C. Rajavidyalaya Press, Bangkok, 2517/1974

1. B.D.C.(U). Newsletter No. 4. June 1981, pp2-3
2. Vajra Bodhi Sea Vol. 14 Series 32 No.158, July 1983. Ven. Hsua Hua 'The Great Means Expansive Buddha Flower Adornment Sutra', Sino-American Buddhist Association,. Inc. pp 5-9
3. The Pali Text Society 's Pali-English Dictionary, Ed. T.W.R. Davids and .W. Stede, The Pali Text Society, London, p.588
4. The Buddhist Wheel Symbol, T.B. Karunaratne, Buddhist Publication Society Ceylon 1969, p.18
5. Ibid., p. 1
6. Ibid., p. 28
7. Lona Discourses of the Buddha 1-16 tr. A.A.G. Bennett, Chetana, Bombay p.2 1
8. Eleven Holy Discourses of Protection Maha Paritta, Pali, tr. San Htun Hmat Win, Department of Religinus Affairs, Rangoon, Burma, 1981 pp. 93-5
9. Ibid., p.4

Handbook of Buddhists by Ven. K. Dhammananda Nayaka Thera).

4* (From (Majjhima - Nikaya No 56), and Pali language

(From the Triple Gem and the Uposatha - Alec Robertson.)

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