Birmingham Buddhist Vihara
(Registered Charity No. 513368)
Osler Street, Ladywood, Birmingham,
B16 9EU UK, Phone: 0121 454 6591
 Email: VEN. DR. UTTARA NYANA
(Spiritual Director)
.
Events at the Vihara Learning and Education

Click here for the 2009 Calendar


THE EVENT AT THE VIHARA

FULL MOON UPASATHA DAYS for 2009:

 

January the 10th  

February the 9th  

March the 10th  

April the 9th  

May the 8th  

June the 7th  

July the 5th  

August the 5th  

September the 3rd  

October the 3rd  

November the 1st  

December the 1st

December the 30th

On each full moon day there is chanting at the Pagoda. For four days in every month Asian Buddhists pay particular attention to the observation of Sila (morality), Samadhi (concentration) and Panna (wisdom) practices. These observations occur in the Lunar Calendar at Full Moon, End of the Moon, Half Full Moon and End Half Moon Day. These days are significant for practising moral development, observation and purification. Lay people have the opportunity to visit their Temple for instruction, the offering of Dana, and so on. Some lay people take the opportunities to observe eight precepts, practice meditation and purification of the mind. These four days are mostly observed during the three months rain retreat from Dhammacakka day to Abhidhamma day. However, in our Temple lay people only practice one day a month, on Full Moon Days.

Myanmar New Year day: April 14-17, 2009

Though this event is not mentioned in discourses or in the teaching of the Buddha, Burmese people take this opportunity for religious observation. Most senior devotees remain in Noble Silence at the Temple for at least three days during which time they observe eight precepts and spend time in meditation. Although their youngsters celebrate New Year with parties and dancing, they come and spend at least one day at the Temple welcoming in the New Year and receiving blessings. This Traditional New Year is not only for Burmese people but also for people from Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh and Nepal. However, the style of celebration is quite distinct according to the tradition of each country.
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Learning and Education

(1). LEARNING PERSONAL APPOINTMENTS

If you have a doubt, or want to discuss basic Buddhist or meditation practice, and are unable to come to one of the weekly classes, you are most welcome to meet with and speak to a monk. You can learn Basic Buddhism or Meditation by appointment. Please ring beforehand, however, to make sure someone will be there to greet you.

(2). SCHOOLS, COLLEGE AND UNIVISITY VISIT

 We regularly receive visits from various educational institutions. Our Pagoda can accommodate more than a hundred students at a time. Many groups from schools, colleges and universities passed through our Pagoda every year. These come not only from all over the West Midlands but much further a field, including other European countries. We have two experienced teachers competent to handle all levels. You are welcome to visit our Pagoda but please make an appointment well ahead. You can either email us or confirm by letter. Let us know the area of your interest, student numbers, their age and educational standard.
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