Lunar New Year Service
The first day of the Lunar Year, typically falling in late January or early February, is an important annual service at the Center. A special service is held, featuring the 108 Prostrations of Great Repentance ritual.
Commemoration of the Buddha’s Birthday
The 8th day of the 4th month on the traditional East Asian lunar calendar, typically late April or early May, is the date for Vesakha-puja (in Korean, Bul-tan-il), the annual celebration of the birth of the Buddha. In South Korea, where this event is one of the biggest public holidays of the year, part of the celebration involves visiting a Buddhist temple to “bathe the Buddha” by pouring water over a statue representing the infant Buddha. Click here to watch a short video from the BZC YouTube channel.
Ullumbana Service
The Full Moon of the seventh lunar month, typically mid-August, is the traditional date for the commemoration of Ullambana. This annual ceremony honors loved ones who have died, especially during the last year, in a similar way to the traditions of All Souls’ Day or Dia de los Muertos. We create a special offering table, speak the names of those we are remembering, and pray for their well-being on their continuing karmic journeys. The liturgy includes elements commonly used in Korean Buddhist memorial and funerary services.
Commemoration of the Buddha’s Enlightenment
The 8th day of the 12th month on the traditional East Asian lunar calendar, typically in mid-to-late January, is the date for Sambodhi-puja (in Korean, Seong-do-jae-il), the commemoration of the enlightenment of the Buddha almost 2,600 years ago. A common practice on this occasion is an all-night meditation, ending early the next morning, just as tradition says the Buddha achieved enlightenment with the rising of Venus, the morning star.