Overview
Shakyamuni Day (aka Saka Dawa Düchen, Vesak Day) is Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
On Shakyamuni Day, we commemorate the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana. Ponlop Rinpoche has said Shakyamuni Day is an important holiday for Nalandabodhi members. It is the most important of the four Düchens. Rinpoche encourages us to take this day as a holiday off from work and mundane activities to focus on practice and the accumulation of merit—positivity and kindness. Please observe a vegetarian diet for the day, or longer.
Many Nalandabodhi Centres will be joining the Celebration together from their local sangha homes. Please check with your local Centre to find out what will be happening in your area. Please feel welcome to invite Sangha friends and family, but do not post to social media.
Please join us, ONSITE in Toronto or ONLINE, for Nalandabodhi’s celebration. We have the great opportunity to have Lama Rabten with us onsite in Toronto. He will offer the “Bathing the Baby Buddha” ceremony after the Saka Dawa liturgy.
Schedule (Eastern Daylight Time)
| 11:00 am | Opening Remarks about Shakyamuni Day – Mitra Dean Mark Power |
| 11:15 am | Remarks about the Tibetan Saka Dawa Celebrations – Lama Rabten |
| 11:30 am | Saka Dawa Liturgy followed by Bathing the Baby Buddha |
| 12:30 pm | Closing Talk |
| 1:00 pm | Onsite Only – Lunch and celebration. Check with your local sangha to see what is planned in your area for the rest of the day. |
Date/Time
Date(s) - Wed, June 11, 2025
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location Nalandabodhi Toronto & Online (Hybrid)
Registration
Registration is closed for this event.
