Buddha's Birthday

The birth of Prince Siddhartha Guatama, aka the Buddha, is traditionally celebrated on the 8th day of the 4th month of the Gregorian calender. We celebrated Buddha's birthday last Sunday at the Empty Hand Zen Center after a day-long retreat, or zazenkai. Image above shows Taru Jain and son Shashvath bathing the baby Buddha with sweet tea. Photo by G. DeBrocky (thx, Glynn). Happy Birthday, World-Honored One. [NOTE: Everyone brought flowers, and the altar - and the floor around the altar - were covered with blossoms. Just like that day so many years ago in the gardens of Lumbini]. 

Bathing the Buddha

Dennis Shofu Myozan Keegan (see Myozan and Teachers) ladles tea over a golden statue of baby Buddha as part of the celebration of Buddha's Birthday (see Happy Birthday) yesterday at the Empty Hand Zen Center. [NOTE: This is birthday number 2,545 for Prince Siddhartha Gautama].