Day of Mindfulness at Asian Institute of Applied Buddhism

Sunday September 2 2012

Pavarana and Rose Ceremony (in gratitude to our parents)

Schedule

9:30 Walking Meditation

11:00 The Pavarana Ceremony (Rain Retreat Closing Ceremony)

12:30 Lunch

14:00 Total Relaxation

15:00 Rose Ceremony

17:30 Farewell

About the Rose Ceremony

In the West we have Mother’s Day and Father’s Day to celebrate the presence of our parents in our lives. The Rose Ceremony is a tradition that Thầy began after a visit to Japan. While in Tokyo some Japanese students pinned a carnation on Thầy’s robe. On Mother’s day, it is their custom to wear a red flower on the lapel when your mother is still alive, and a white one if she is no longer alive. In Vietnam (and other Asian countries) there is a tradition to celebrate the Ullambana Ceremony, which is an occasion to commemorate Venerable Maudgalyayana for his expression of filial love – rescuing his Mother from the Hell realm. Every year, as part of the Plum Village tradition we celebrate both the Ullambana and the Rose Ceremony together. It is an opportunity to pay respect and offer gratitude to our parents for their love and care throughout our lives. This is special as it is a time when you can reflect on and appreciate the good seeds that your parents have passed on to you, whether they are still alive or have already passed away.

How to Register

If you would like to attend this day, please register online at www.pvfhk.org before noon on Sept 1 2012(Saturday). Your registration will help us to prepare enough roses for the ceremony and food for lunch.

How to get to AIAB

You may take the Bus No. 23 at Tung Chung Town Centre to Ngong Ping. The bus ride will take 35 to 50 minutes. For details of the bus service, please check http://www.newlantaobus.com/road_23.htm.
After getting off at the Ngong Ping Bus Terminal, walk towards Po Lin Monastery. Before you reach its stone white Memorial Arch (「南天佛國」牌坊), take the path on your left, bypassing the grocery store (章記士多). After that, you will be at a crossroad. The left path will lead to Lotus Pond Temple more directly. The entire walk will take about 10 minutes.

General Enquiries

Please feel free to contact us at aiab@pvfhk.org.

We are looking forward to your presence and practising together on this special occasion!

Breathe and Smile,

Plum Village Monks and Nuns at AIAB