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We commemorate the Birth, the Enlightenment and Parinirvana of the Gautama Buddha on Vesak Day and it is undoubtedly the most sacred day of the Buddhist Calendar. It is the season that we pay our gratitude to the Buddha and strengthen our commitment to practice the path shown by the Buddha towards enlightenment.
PBC has organized two major events to celebrate this blissful season of Vesak which include both “Amisa Pooja” (material offerings) and “Prathipaththi Pooja” (offering by practicing the Dhamma).
Pittsburgh Buddhist Center invites all of you to join in this traditional celebration, blessing service for good health.
Sunday, 26th May 2013: Half-Day Retreat and Devotional Songs at PBC
May 26th Schedule:Part I
09.00 a.m. - 09.30 a.m. Observing Eight Precepts and Buddha Vandana
09.30 a.m. - 10.00 a.m. Dhamma Discussion on Mental Purification
10.00 a.m. - 10.30 a.m. Meditation
10.30 a.m. - 11.00 a.m. Metta Chanting
Part II
11.00 a.m. - 11.30 a.m. Buddha Puja: Offerings to the Buddha
11.30 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. Dana / Lunch
12.00 p.m. - 12.30 p.m. Cleaning
Part III
12.30 p.m. - 01.00 p.m. Walking Meditation
01.00 p.m. - 01.30 p.m. Meditation on the Qualities of the Buddha (Buddhanussati)
01.30 p.m. - 02.00 p.m. Dhamma Talk By Phramaha Piyarathana
02.00 p.m. - 02.30 p.m. Jataka Story
02.30 p.m. - 03.00 p.m. Chanting of Pirith
03.00 p.m. - 03.30 p.m. Reflection of the day and Dismissal of Eight Precepts
Part IV - Evening Program
03.30 p.m. - 04.00 p.m. Displays of Vesak Lanterns
04.00 p.m. - 05.30 p.m. Bhakthi Gee (Devotional Songs)
05.30 p.m. Refreshments and end
Eight Precepts
1. Abstaining from killing or harming any living being
2. Abstaining from taking what is not properly given (i.e. stealing)
3. Abstaining from sexual and sensual indulgence
4. Abstaining from false speech
5. Abstaining from using intoxicants
6. Abstaining from taking solid meals after noon (moderation in eating)
7. Abstaining from entertainment, dancing, singing, use of beauty products & perfumes (modesty)
8. Abstaining from seating on high and luxurious chairs and beds (simplicity)