What happens there?

In many different Asian countries they have their own traditions at Wesak. People from some Buddhist cultures like to pour the purest of water over a beautiful statue of the Buddha. In other countries they send thousands of paper lanterns floating up and away into the moonlit sky. Many Buddhists see this day as a special opportunity to practise generosity and compassion by giving alms and releasing fish, birds and other animals.

Overall it is viewed as an extremely auspicious time for doing any kind of spiritual practice, such as meditation, and for making a special effort to engage with the world through the Six Paramitas:

1. Generosity (Skt. dāna): to cultivate the attitude of generosity, giving of oneself and of one's mindful energies and presence.
2. Discipline (Skt. śīla): refraining from harm, keeping of certain vows, and other mindful actions.
3. Patience (Skt. kṣānti): the ability not to be perturbed by anything.
4. Diligence (Skt. vīrya): to find joy in what is virtuous, positive or wholesome.
5. Meditative concentration (Skt. dhyāna): not to be distracted.
6. Wisdom (Skt. prajñā): the pure perception of all phenomena.

In Dublin, Ireland [on Tuesday May 17, 2011] we will discreetly, quietly, and informally launch the new tradition of Big Buddha Day internationally without any fuss whatsoever just by gathering and meditating together, quite profoundly yet simply, on a patch of grass in a public park, surrounded by nature's best and eachother.  

Whether there are 10 people [or 10,000!] we will meet and sit together at the BANDSTAND in Saint Stephen's Green, Dublin 2. 

We will sit in meditation on the grass there, surrounded by the most beautiful flowers and trees, for one hour from 630pm to 730pm.

There will be no speeches or rituals of any kind on this occasion.
BIG BUDDHA DAY is a non-denominational event and will be totally inclusive. Therefore it is not happening in a place associated with any one particular tradition.

We will sit in meditation: Body Still, Speech Silent, Mind at Rest.

We are encouraged to develop the Buddha Mind which is naturally open, content and awake.

Our greatest aspiration will be to awaken within us infinite Peace, Compassion and Wisdom and to share that with all beings.

So please spread the word far and wide. But, most importantly, come and join us yourself!


Be prepared for all weathers and remember to bring a meditation cushion to sit on.

If you feel inspired - and are able to - you may wish to make your final approach to the grassy area beside the Bandstand by practising Mindful Walking Meditation to the spot where you would like to sit.