:: Vesak Day ::

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Vesak is the name of the sixth lunar calendar month. This month became special when in the same full moon nights of Vesak:

1) Prince Siddhatha was born,
2) At 35, the Prince attained enlightenment, becoming Lord Buddha.
3) Lord Buddha passed away into the Nibbana (Nirvana).

Normally, the full-moon night of Vesak would fall upon the month of May.  This year, on Friday 24th May, at the Johannesburg Meditation Centre (JMC), we celebrate the auspicious moment at our place in Halfway House, Johannesburg.

We start at 18h00 by meditation, followed by candle lighting and a peaceful procession called ‘circumumbulation.’

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 Programme
Vesak Day Celebration (วิสาขบูชา)

(Day of Birth, Enlightenment and Nibbana of Lord Buddha)
วันประสูติ ตรัสรู้ และปรินิพพาน ของพระสัมมาสัมพุทธเจ้า

On Friday 24th May 2013 (2556 B.E.)
วันศุกร์ที่ 24 พฤษภาคม พ.ศ. 2556

At the Johannesburg Meditation Centre (JMC), Halfway House
วัดพระธรรมกายโจฮันเนสเบิร์ก (มิดแรนด์)

Presided by the Royal Thai Ambassador
ฯพณฯ เอกอัครราชทูตไทย นายนนทศิริ บุรณศิริ เป็นประธานในพิธี

Schedule (กำหนดการ)

18.00     Lighting Lanterns. Opening speech by the Royal Thai Ambassador.
.             จุดประทีป. ท่านทูตกล่าวเปิดงาน.

18.15    Speech by Ven. Somsak: Importance of Vesak Day
.             พระอาจารย์เทศน์ถึงความสำคัญของวันวิสาขบูชา.

18.30    Offering flowers to Lord Buddha & Chanting. บูชาดอกไม้และบุปผามาลา.

18.40     Dhamma teaching by Ven. Somsak. พระธรรมเทศนา.

18.45    Meditation. ปฏิบัติธรรม.

19.00    Vesak Candle Light Ceremony. Circumambulation. เวียนเทียน.

19.30    Refreshment. End.  อาหารว่าง. สาธุชนทยอยกลับ.

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Please wear white as a symbol to the tradition of peace.
กรุณาแต่งกายสีขาว อันเป็นสัญลักษณ์และวัฒนธรรมของานบุญ.

 :: Download poster here. :

Vesak Candlelight in Homage to Lord Buddha

The full moon night of Vesak marks the greatest celebration on earth. Prince Siddhartha came to be born on earth with the purpose of enlightenment. He was born to be the light of the world on which all sentient beings have been suffering in the never-ending samsara.

This is the first joy of the Vesak Day!

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The Prince was soon to ascend the throne. At the age of 29 — just after the new-born son got delivered — he renounced all the royal might. After 6 years in search of the righteous path to enlightenment, the Middle Path was revealed to Him in His meditation. After attaining the Dhammakaya on the full moon night of Vesak, Prince Siddhartha became the first Enlightened One, thus, the Lord Buddha. Lord Buddha is the supreme person of no defilement. Countless number of devas and humans gained enlightenment after practicing his dhamma teachings.

This is the second joy of the Vesak Day!

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The world was bright with the light of peace from his teachings. People of all castes had equal chance to get inner peace. For 45 years since the Enlightenment, it had been a period of peace of humanity. Lord Buddha is so supreme and unparalleled by any master in human history.

Only a tiny fraction of His wisdom…
Will make us the most intelligent person on earth.

Only a tiny fraction of His purity…
Will make us the most flawless person on earth.

Only a tiny fraction of His compassion…
Will make us the most beloved person on earth.

On the exact full moon day of Vesak — 45 years after His enlightenment — He passed away with utmost serenity. His teachings remain the light of peace for all beings. The dhamma is timeless. As long as one practices the dhamma, one can still attain enlightenment. Lord Buddha has left the greatest spiritual treasure for countless generations to enjoy.

This is the third joy of the Vesak Day!

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This year Vesak Day falls on Tuesday 17th May 2011. At the Johannesburg Meditation Centre (JMC), South Africa, the Celebration of Vesak will witness peoples of all walks of life — those peaceseekers alike. The Candlelight in homapge to Lord Buddha on the day of His Birth, Enlightenment and Nirvana will be peaceful and radiating in every mind of those who attend.

This is the forth joy of the Vesak Day!

The evening celebration is breathtaking yet very peaceful. In the Buddhist culture, circumambulation is a way to express respect to the holy one. Peace lovers gather for one shared goal: peace.

Candles on hand, the humble mind worships the Lord Buddha. Bring about the light in front to shine inside the mind. Meditate along with the chanting song. Carry forward with you the light of peace to share…

This is another joy of the Vesak Day!

More reading on Vesak:

http://dhammakaya.net/activities/annual-activities/vesak

From Sunday 6th May 2013 onwards, at JMC we hold a structured lecture session in addition to our regular meditation teaching.

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Topic:  Knowing yourselves before understanding others.
Booklet:  “Training the Trainers”
Author:  Most Venerable Dattajivo Bhikkhu, Vice Abbot, Dhammakaya Temple, Thailand
Knowledge Base: Buddhist Tipitaka
Learners’ Background Knowledge:  Not essential
Time:  Meditation 09.30-10.15 a.m., Lecture 10.15-11.00 a.m.
Duration: 10 consecutive weeks
Cost: Booklet xerography R30. Learning is free.
Dress: Normal, Polite.
Lunch:  Complimentary Thai buffet lunch, supported by Thai Communtiy.
Map: Downloadable in the top menu.
Query: info@jmc.org.za

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Written by Most Venerable Dattajeevo Bhikkhu

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Celebrating Thai New Year

Songkran is Thailand’s New Year i.e. the 13th of April each year. The month of April in Thailand is mid summer. Therefore, Sonkran is well-known to the world as Thailand’s Water Festival. This calendar is based on traditional Indian culture.  It is also found in Sri Lanka that the 14th April is her new year.

At The Johannesburg Meditation Centre, Halfway House, Johannesburg, we celebrate Songkran on Sunday 14th April. Activities include:

• Morning meditation for inner peace and joy.
• Alms-giving to 6 Buddhist monks — a 2,600-year-old culture.
• Offering “Sanghadana” or midday meal to the Buddhist monks.
• Bathing the statue of Lord Buddha for the blessing.
• Bathing H.E. Royal Thai Ambassador, as part of the culture to pay respect to the seniours.
• Thai food — one of the biggest of collection of real Thai foods. Complimentary from Thai Community.
• Special!!! Water splashing.

More information is in the poster below.

:: Download poster here.  ::

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JMC welcomes every peace-seeker.

We have meditation class for public on every Sunday from 09.30 to 11.00 a.m.  The meditation guide is in English and the technique is simple i.e. the Centre of the Body.

There is not charge, however donation is voluntary.

Download map from here:
http://www.peaceforafrica.org/map/

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The Middle Way Meditation Retreat #17

‘The Middle Way Meditation’ Retreat Course for the month of November is now launched.  Please click for ‘Full itinerary’ and ‘Application form’ should you need further details.

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F U L L   I T I N E R A R Y

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A P P L I C A T I O N   F O R M

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‘Kathina’ is a term rooted in ancient Pali language, having its literal meaning of embroidery frame. However, a presentation of ‘Kathina’ refers to the annual ceremonial offering of saffron robes to the Buddhist monks after the rains retreat of 3 months.

Lay supporters are eligible to present Kathina robes to the Buddhist monastic community that comprises a minimum of five members who each have strictly observed Buddhist Lent as a way to increase their Dhamma knowledge; who have cultivated virtues and furthered their meditation practice.

This year, at  The Johannesburg Meditation Centre (JMC), the date for Kathina falls on  Sunday 11th November 2555 B.E. (2012 A.D.)  at its premise in Halfway House.  For Buddhists and non-Buddhist alike, it is a great opportunity to observe the 2,600-year-old noble tradition of the saffron robe parade and presentation.

Programme of the day can be found and downloaded below:

:: Download Kathina Poster ::

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Thai – South African Newsletter Volume 57

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Read and archive the ongoing news of Thai community in South Africa.  This  November 2012  paper issue has been launched.  The electronic issue can be viewed and downloaded by clicking below.

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:: Download Volume 57 here. ::

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‘The Middle Way Meditation’ Retreat Course for the month of May is now launched.  Please click for ‘Full itinerary’ and ‘Application form’ should you need further details.

F U L L   I T I N E R A R Y

A P P L I C A T I O N   F O R M 

The following issues are ready for circulation. Please click to download.

April 2012

Thai  -  South African Newsletter Volume 50 

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   March 2012

Thai – South African Newsletter Volume 49

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 February 2012

Thai – South African Newsletter Volume 48 

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 January 2012

 Thai – South African Newsletter Volume 47

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