This day celebrated the Buddha gaining enlightenment approximately 2559 years ago. We met at Bothenhampton Village Hall on Sunday 22nd May from 10.30 until 4.30. Members of the Sangha came from Newton Abbott, Teignmouth, Exeter, Wellington, Sidmouth, Axminster, Bridport, Dorchester, and Portland.
The photograph above shows the shrine which was designed and assembled by Sarah and her crew. We all felt as though we were in a forest. During the day we listened to the life story of the Buddha up to his enlightenment. After each section we then spent some time reflecting on our own personal experience of each of the stages. For instance, our birth, our upbringing, what we have moved away from and the good qualities that we already have they we can develop further.
We practised the Mindfulness of Breathing and also the Metta Bhavana and also did the seven-fold Puja. We listened to a talk given by Vidyadasi on some of her personal reflections on how it is ones attitude to life that one must change. People brought along some food to share at lunch time and the result was a veritable feast.
All in all it seems like a good time was had by all.
