Parinirvana Day

Impermanence and beginning to let go of our current centre

Everything changes. - Suzuki Roshi (when asked to sum up Buddhism)

Parinirvana Day marks the final passing of the Buddha, and traditionally is a time to celebrate his life and reflect on impermanence. The physical death of the Buddha wasn't the end of Buddhism, and in the same way the ending of the centre at a specific place is not the end of the Auckland Buddhist Centre and our community.

So at this year's Parinirvana celebrations, we'll be beginning to ritually let go of our current home at 381 Richmond Road. With that in mind, we invite you to reflect on times you've spent at the ABC and the different spaces here - the reception room (lounge), shrine room, foyer and outdoors area, and think of one pithy (short-ish) anecdote you might like to share with us all. The first time you heard an important teaching? A funny or moving conversation in the foyer? These are examples.

To bring on the day

a picture of a memory you associate with the centre, if you have one (eg. a photo of friends you met here, a special occasion). We'll be putting the pictures on the wall and leaving them behind when we move, so if it's precious, make sure you bring a copy to stick on the wall!
a flower to offer to the shrine
a plate of finger food to share, if you can
a memory to share if you'd like to

Programme for the afternoon

2pm - Welcome and a talk by Cittamuni, who has been coming to the ABC for exactly the same amount of time it's been here in Grey Lynn! Followed by a rich sharing of stories.
3.30pm - (approx) Shared afternoon tea
4pm - led reflection by Ratnavyuha followed by a puja led by Dharmanandi