Virtual Vesak 2564th Buddha Poornima Celebration - 7 May 2020

Happy Vesak Day 2564th BE

Happy Vesak 2564th B.E. to everyone who celebrated!!! :)

Unlike previous years, this year's Vesak Day celebration was rather different due to the Covid-19 pandemic that spread all over the world.

This year many celebrated by watching the virtual celebration, listening to dharma talk, and even taking 3 refuges and 5 precepts online. I too, was no exception. Once got up, I received the forward message as follow:

Virtual Vesak Celebration organized by IBC (Pic source: International Buddhist Consideration)

"千载难逢！VESAK LIVE from Sacred Places

2020年5月7日上午9时（新加坡时间）开始：

菩提迦耶、蓝毗尼、鹿野苑、拘尸那罗等多个圣地直播卫塞节活动，以及线上瞻仰本师释迦摩尼佛陀舍利。尊胜的法王达赖喇嘛和众僧也将致词。

YouTube直播网址: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4L9AkYfs104qBylCrAaRBQ

Vesak Day, 7th May, 9am (Singapore Time)

International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) is organising Virtual Vesak- Buddha Poornima Celebration 2020 on May 7 by livestreaming ceremonies and prayers from: Bodhgaya, Lumbini, Sarnath, Kushinagar as well as Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar, Baudhanath, Swayambhunath and Namo Buddha Stupa in Nepal.

Also being arranged is first ever online exposition of Holy Buddha relics from Wasukaduwa Temple, Sri Lanka.

Video Addresses by most eminent and Supreme heads of Sangha from various countries and traditions will also be streamed as part of this virtual celebration of Vesak. We are expecting worldwide audiences joining this online celebration.

You are welcome to participate in this unique and blessed celebration of Buddha Poornima on May 7. This will be live streamed on Facebook Live, Instagram, YouTube, Zoom and also from Mandala app.

Video addresses by His Holiness Dalai Lama, H. E Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche, H. E Gyankhang Rinpoche, H. E Yongzin Ling Rinpoche and many other masters from several countries.

Live online exposition of Holy Buddha Relics from Sri Lanka also part of the event."

I immediately clicked the link as time shown had already past 9am Singapore's time. And I kept watching the program until 2pm plus. 

The above video is the compilation of pictures taken from the online virtual celebration yesterday with the background of "Metta" chant, a melodious song sung by Imee Ooi - a Malaysian Buddhist composer - whose song was also featured on the virtual celebration yesterday. 

Ani Choying Drolma, a Nepalese Buddhist nun and musician, was also there singing and giving speech for all of us. Her songs, Siddharta Gautam and Tri Ratna, were played as parts of the virtual celebration. Her soothing voice was really nice to hear :)

It was such a great arrangements done by IBF by collaborating speakers mainly the Eminent Buddhist Masters from different countries and Buddhist sects, such as: H.H Khondung Ratna Vajra Sakya Rinpoche (42nd Sakya Trizin), Ajahn Brahm, 7th Sechen Rabjam Rinpoche (who is a grandson of Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche), and many more, included the Jetsunma Tenzin Pelmo (the author, teacher and founder of the Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery in India) - one of the women featured in Dakini Power (the book I am currently reading featuring 12 women, both Asians and Westerners, who have been recognized as accomplished practitioners and brilliant teachers, a source of inspiration for all Buddhist women. 

They broadcasted many sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites from India (Bodhgaya, Sarnath), Nepal (sacred Lumbini Garden), Sri Lanka (Anuradhapura), Thailand, etc. I felt so much gratitude upon watching those places, familiar scenes as I have been blessed for visiting those places in this present life. 

If only they hold such celebration every year this way, it enables everyone from all around the world to celebrate even within their own place, and received prayers and blessings from every Eminent Masters located all around the world. Their messages, spirits, and encouragement could be felt. 

I am sure this was not the only portal for celebration. Many other temples, Buddhist organisations were also arranging dharma talks virtually and many had participated in it from their home. 

Super flower moon - from home sweet home

At night we were grateful to be able to end the auspicious day by watching the beautiful bright full moon high up in the sky, blessed by its shine and lovely weather.

Thank you SB for everything. Sabbe Satta Bhavantu Sukhitatta - May all sentient beings be healthy and happy, free from suffering and the cause of suffering, life full of peace and joy. Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu. Svathi Hothu. Nammo Buddhaya :)