IBMC holds refuge ceremony on Hanamatsuri

The International Buddhist Meditation Center (IBMC) held its annual celebration of Vesak, or the Buddha's birthday, which is called Hanamatsuri in Japan. The event commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. The exact date of Vesak varies according to different Buddhist traditions in different countries.

Some Buddhists will wear white clothes to temple during Vesak. It is also a time when lay Buddhists may take refuge and the five precepts. Three men became lay Buddhist 'upasakas' at Hanamatsuri this year at IBMC.

Some temples will also have a small statue of the baby Buddha in front of the altar in a small basin filled with scented water and adorned with flowers. Individuals volunteer to pour water over the statue to honor the Buddha and remind them of their commitment to attaining purity of heart and mind. Legend says that the Buddha was showered by the sacred waters of devas.

Rev. Shanti, Rev. Kusala, Rev. Ksanti, and Rev. Sraddha presided over the ceremonies.

Below are some pictures from the event on Sunday, April 21, 2013.