Buddhist Festivals

Marking the death or ‘final passing away of the Buddha into Nirvana’. A chance to contemplate the great Buddhist teachings of impermanence and conditionality, and to reflect on the precious opportunity and potential that life holds. Celebrated in February.

A celebration of the Enlightenment of the Buddha. As a youth the Buddha sought to find a solution to his problems and limitations of life. After years of searching he finally attained a ‘state’ beyond pain and suffering and thus became the Buddha – ‘one who is awake’. Traditionally celebrated on full moon night of May.

The Dharma is the teaching of the Buddha or any means which moves us from where we are now towards more positive and skilful states of mind. Without this path, Enlightenment would not be possible. Dharma Day is a celebration of the teaching, rediscovered and taught by the Buddha some 2500 years ago. Traditionally celebrated on full moon night of July.

The Sangha is the community of all those who are trying to follow the path towards Enlightenment. The Sangha is precious in Buddhism as the friendship of those who share our aspirations and who can encourage us is essential in the spiritual life. Celebrated on full moon night of November.

Padmasambhava is both a historical and mythical figure who established Buddhism in Tibet in the eighth century. His historical life and the mythology surrounding it are, and always have been, intertwined, making him a magical and mystical figure. The Newcastle Buddhist Centre is dedicated to Padmasambhava, partly because just as Padmasambhava established Buddhism in Tibet, so do we aspire to establish Buddhism in Newcastle. During this Festival we will be celebrating his life.