Mindfulness Retreat and Vesak Day Celebration

Join the Honolulu Mindfulness Community and the Bodhi Tree Center for a non-residential retreat and Vesak ceremony led by monastics from Deer Park Monastery in California.

Dates: Friday, May 30th (6:30 - 9:00 pm)
Saturday, May 31st & Sunday, June 1st (7 am - 4 pm)
Location: Bodhi Tree Meditation Center, 654A Judd St, Honolulu, HI 96817 (Limited parking – Carpooling is highly encouraged - there may be offsite parking TBD)
Theme: Building a Spiritual Community
Led by: Senior Sister Kinh Nghiem, Sister Ao Nghiem, and Sister Thien Ly from Deer Park Monastery.
Activities include: Sitting & walking meditation, mindful movement, total relaxation, dharma talks/sharing, and singing.

Retreat Schedule:
Friday (Optional): Morning beach mindful cleanup (details TBA), 6:30-9:00 pm: Orientation & Sitting
Saturday: 7 am: Walking meditation & light breakfast at Nuʻuanu Park; 8:30 am: Transition to Bodhi Tree; 12 pm: BYO Lunch; 4 pm: Closing
Sunday: 7 am: Walking meditation & light breakfast at Nuʻuanu Park; 8:30 am: Transition to Bodhi Tree; Vesak – Buddha's Birthday Celebration (lunch provided); 4 pm: Closing
(Full Schedule available below)
What to bring: Cushion/zafu (some chairs available), yoga mat/towel, lunch for Saturday (no fridge/microwave), water bottle/mug, rain gear, appropriate footwear

Cost: $75; To register and pay here.
Sliding scale pricing available - contact [honolulumindfulness@gmail.com](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mindfulness-retreat-and-vesak-day-celebration-tickets-1334315045219?aff=oddtdtcreator "mailto:honolulumindfulness@gmail.com"))

Special Sunday Event: Vesak (Buddha's Birthday)
Vesak is the annual celebration of the Buddha's life and enlightenment. It is the most important festival celebrated by Buddhist communities in South East Asia. The visiting sisters have graciously offered to bring this ceremony especially for the Vietnamese community of Honolulu. We will be joined by many more of our Vietnamese friends and have the opportunity to enjoy a mindful lunch together afterwards. The ceremony will include dharma talk, guided meditation, and chanting primarily in Vietnamese. We invite you to enjoy your breathing and the beautiful decorations that will adorn the alter. Look out for the ritual bathing of the baby Buddha! This act symbolizes watering the seeds of Buddha nature within all of us.