Wesak Celebration 2001 in Hull.
The event was attended by more than two dozen people. Some were beginners, some practice their Buddhism individually, most were members of established groups in and around Hull. Groups represented were the Hull Buddhist Forum, Hull Dechen Group,and Hull Serene Reflection Meditation Group, the Kanzeon Sangha group from Halsham (in Holderness) Leeds Serene Reflection Meditation Group, the Society of Interbeing group from North Lincolnshire and a new meditation group from Louth in Lincolnshire. We had also received messages of support from Harrogate Dechen Group, Harrogate SRM Group, Hull F P M T Group and Rev Roland from Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey.
(picture by Thurston Binns)
Because so many traditions were represented the organisers decided that there should be no special ceremonies - each tradition does things slightly differently! People meditated wherever they chose, facing whichever direction they preferred. Most followed their normal meditation practice, but some basic instructions were given by Chris Cook for the benefit of those who were new to Buddhism.
Groups were welcome to put on displays and offer free literature. There were displays by the Hull Dechen Group, Angulimala (the Buddhist Prison Chaplaincy), "Now and Zen", the Kanzeon Sangha and the Hull SRM Group.
The event started a little late because the local paper (Hull Daily Mail) had sent a photographer to record the event, so we posed for a group photograph behind the altar. A reporter from the paper, interested in Buddhism, visited in the afternoon to interview a few people.
Six people volunteered to read selections from the scriptures or modern Buddhist books about the life of Shakyamuni Buddha. These were about significant events in his life - birth, renunciation, enlightenment, first sermon, the Buddhist precepts and his parinirvana.
There was time for a discussion before lunch, which centered around ways of practicing Buddhism as a lay person. Contributors made the point that Buddhist practice was more that performing ceremonies and being able to sit on a cushion - being able to help others and recognise their Buddha-nature. "The koan arises naturally in daily life" to quote Zen Master Dogen.
In reply to a question from a newcomer experienced Buddhists explained that we do not worship the Buddha or the statue on the altar, the images are there to remind us of our purpose and help us let go of our ego.
Contributors also commented that it is good that Buddhists from different traditions are able tocome together practice together on occasions like Wesak, and wondered if other religions could do the same thing.
People brought food for a shared vegetarian cold buffet and there was plenty of time to chat with old friends, meet new ones or discuss some finer points of the Dharma.
The event ended with an incense offering, "open circle" and the reading of a dedication list. "Open circle" comes from the former Hull Buddhist Group and involves everyone sitting in a circle and having the opportunity to speak once on any topic they liked, without interruption or getting involved in a dialogue. Most chose to say how much they enjoyed the event and the opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones. Some expressed the hope that other similar gatherings would take place in the future.
We would like to thank the Scouts for letting us hire the hall and for their continued helpfulness. People contributed to a begging bowl and after we paid for the hall we were able to donate sixteen pounds to Angulimala.
Mike Horne.
