Our new Practice and Education Director, Michael McCormick, writes:
Vaishakha Day is the day that Buddhists commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of the Buddha. It is undeniably significant. The Portland Shambhala Center has scheduled this commemoration for May 25 this year. In the last couple of years, it has been celebrated by a small contingent of our sangha. This year we have been unable to find someone to organize and lead the event. After much beating of the bushes, including asking people who have been rumored, inaccurately, to have led the event in the past, the Center’s Council has reluctantly let go of holding the event this year. We are taught that letting go is good, yes? It certainly makes sense when there are no bodies to make something happen. If, however, you come to value this commemoration enough to bring it to fruition by next spring, let me know. We can only gain by appreciating our teachers.
From: Portland News Magazine