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THE SONGKRAN FESTIVAL

AT

THE BUDDHIST MEDITATION TEMPLE

On Sunday April 15, 2012

Songkran is the Thai, Laotian, and Cambodian traditional New Year (Asian New Year) and an occasion for family reunions.  It is a day traditionally spent earning merit by performing charitable and meritorious acts such as presenting offerings to the monks and listening to sermons, sprinkling holy water in reverence on Buddha images, monks, elders, and each other.  In the process, we receive their blessings.

We are taking this opportunity to invite you to come and participate in this festival and to share in our happiness as we promote our culture and recognize its influence within this region.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

          10:00 AM.   Candle lighting by a representative of our congregation to worship the Triple Gems

          10:30 AM.   Blessing chants performed by the monks

          11:00 AM.   Food offering to the monks

          11:30 AM.   Lunch for the congregation

          01:00 PM.    Ceremonial presentation and other offerings

• The senior monk will give a speech to the congregation
• Temple representatives will offer flowers to the monks
• Blessing by the monks
• Pouring holy water on Buddha images, monks, and the elders
• Dedicate our merit to relatives, loved ones, and other beings through the pouring of water
• Spreading loving kindness to relatives, loved ones, and to all living beings
• Ceremony adjourned