Parinirvana Festival
Led by Sanghajit and Suvarnajyoti
Fri 14 Feb: 7.15 – 9.30pm
Sat 15 Feb: 4.30pm – 9pm
Sun 16 Feb: 11am – 6.30pm
In person at the LBC
Impermanence and the preciousness of life are cornerstone teachings of Buddhism. On this unique festival, we honour the moment of the Buddha’s physical death two and a half millennia ago.
This is often a poignant occasion, as we reflect on the cycles of life and death. Come along for talks, meditation, musical offerings, and discussion on the Buddha’s life and the opportunity that our own lives present us. We will also celebrate and remember those who have died in the past year with ritual and readings.
All welcome to a festival weekend that will help us connect with what is most important in our lives.
In person, just turn up to as much of the festival as you can.
Event Schedule
7.15pm | Friday Night Class: The Road to Vesali
Kick off Parinirvana Festival with an evening of meditation, storytelling and ritual evoking the Buddha in the dramatic final year of his life.
A collective meditation will be followed by a Buddha Puja. Together we'll hear the quintessential words and teachings of the Buddha from the Dhammapada alongside a lightly dramatised reading of 'The Road to Vesali' from the Parinirvana Sutta.
End by 9.30pm
4.30pm | Welcome with Tea and Cake in the Mural Room
5pm | Remembrance Ceremony and Metta Bhavana for the Dead
A meditation and ritual to remember our friends and relatives who have died in the past year. If there is someone whose name you would like to be read out during the ritual, you can either submit a form in advance here, or put the written name into a bowl on the day (in the LBC reception, before 4.45pm). You are also welcome to bring a framed photograph to put on the shrine on the day.
6pm | Silent Tea Break
Doors re-open
6.15 | Dharma Talk by Maitreyabandhu - 'Life Beyond Death: The Buddhist Vision'
Freshly back from a trip to India, Maitreyabandhu will be sharing his inspiration and pointing us towards a broader, more radical perspective on death - and life - than the one we may be used to.
7.15 | Shared Buffet
Bring vegan food to share
7.50pm | A Love Supreme - Jazz with Maitrikumara and his band
Round off the day with a musical offering by Maitrikumara and his jazz ensemble, playing the music of John Coltrane.
End by 9pm
11am | Doors open
11.15am | Meditation Morning
Doors will re-open from 12.05 - 12.15pm
1.15pm | Shared Lunch
Bring vegan food to share
2.30pm | The Six Elements Practice: Becoming and Unbecoming
Led by Sanghasiha
4pm | Tea Break
4.30pm | Festival Puja with Mitra Ceremonies
Bring cards and gifts for mitras if you wish
End by 6.30pm
