Shakyamuni Buddha

Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church

May 18th is Vesak Day in Pittsburgh! Come celebrate this international event. 

Hundreds of Buddhists from many traditions, and the public as well, will join in Pittsburgh's 17th Annual Vesak, a worldwide celebration which honors the life of Shakyamuni Buddha, the Enlightened One.  

Over the past 16 years, our gathering has grown to be a joyous occasion, filled with colorful flowers and the beautiful teachings and practices shared by many traditions in a collective Sangha (community) ceremony.  A beautiful video from 2012 shares the richness of the experience. 

         Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church
         416 West North Avenue in Pittsburgh (map)
         3:00 - 5:00 PM   (Doors open at 2:30 PM)
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This year's theme - Lighting the Noble Path -  expresses the collective vision of our various traditions to make real the Noble Eight-Fold Path, the path of ethical and mindful living taught by the Buddha, which can carry us and our society beyond the shore of suffering to the place of Well Being.   After 2600 years, that Path is still fresh and filled with the flowers of our daily practice.  We walk it together.  
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Our Program begins with a 1 hour service held within the Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church in the North Side, and will feature a Dharma teaching, prayers & chants from different Buddhist traditions, and a meditation over the water that will later be used in our Waterside Service.  Participants can join in  bathing the Baby Buddha and singing with many of the chants.  A children's activity is also planned. Bring the whole family! 

A festive procession to the Allegheny river will follow.  At the  the Waterside Peace Service, we will have the opportunity to receive a ladle of water from the monastics, infused with our aspirations for peace, to flow out to the world.  Light refreshments will also be available for attendees.

Our program is free and open to the public.  Please Join Us!