Though this was only our second Windhorse Wesak Celebration, it has quickly become a substantial annual event that brings the Buddhists in the business together as a devotional Sangha, to celebrate the most significant event in Buddhism, and to the world - the Buddha's Enlightenment.
This years ritual - Unfolding Of The Lotus - devised by Vidyavajra, began with a long procession. This spiraled from our Shrine Room, through the offices, outside the warehouse building, then inside the warehouse eventually reaching our central Stupa. As we moved from one sacred place to another, we stopped at specially created shrines, where the Buddha's journey to Enlightenment was told in eight episodes. This was followed by a traditional text adapted into a verse form, with one line of chorus recited in call and response.
As everyone processed they chanted the Shakyamuni Mantra, clanged bells, pounded drums,waved flags and banners. At the penultimate part of the procession, these instruments and flags were put down. Each person picked up a Buddha Rupa and processed chanting the Shakyamuni mantra into the Stupa Area, where they placed it in a niche there. Once seated, the mornings ritual concluded with a Meditation, led by Kavyasiddhi, and a Seven Fold Puja, led by our Managing Director, Keturaja.
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| The first shrine in our Shrine Room |
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| Samudraghosha reading at the 'Going Forth' indoor shrine |
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| Vidyavajra at the 'Forest' outdoor shrine |
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| At the 'Ascetics' outdoor shrine |
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| Moving on to another shrine |
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| The choir performs two pieces |
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| Offerings |
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| The |
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| To |
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| Buddha |
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| Each person places a Buddha in a niche |
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| The finished wall of over sixty Buddhas |
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| A festive shared lunch to finish with |
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