Event Report: Buddha Day (Hanamatsuri) Special Service

Hanamatsuri is the celebration of the birth of the founder of Buddhism, Shakyamuni Buddha.

We held the Hanamatsuri Special Service on April 3 at 10:00 a.m.

How are we understanding Shakyamuni Buddha, who had actually appeared in this world?

Nearly all of us understand that Shakyamuni Buddha was born as a prince of the Shakya clan of Kapila castle. Buddha died in Kushinagara at the age of eighty.  This, however, is not the truth.  This matter is especially made clear by The Duration of the Life of the Tathagata chapter of the Lotus Sutra.  Since there is no end to the lifetime of Shakyamuni Buddha, His life exists everlastingly.  He has not rested for even an instant, and is saving humankind.

The Shakya people dwelled along the Rohini river, which flows among the southern foothills of the Himalayas.  Their King, Shuddhodana Gautama and his consort, Queen Maya, established their capital at Kapilavastu.  For twenty years they had no children. But one night, Queen Maya had a strange dream, in which she saw a white elephant entering into her womb through the right side of her chest, and she became pregnant.  According to custom, the Queen returned to her parent’s home for childbirth, and on her way, she took a rest in Lumbini Garden.  All about her were beautiful blossoms. In delight, she reached out with her right arm out to pluck a branch, and, as she did so, a prince was born.  This memorable day was the eighth day of April about 2500 years ago.

 

After the service, our Hula Halau dedicated a Sakura Hula to celebrate the Buddha’s birth.

 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6gnYAlhboM