2012 Wesak Day celebration at Santavana Forest Hermitage

It was Wesak Day Celebration at the Santavana Forest Hermitage last friday. Ling and I were invited to join in the celebration.

Activities on that day included Alms giving, Dhama Talk, Blessing, Sharing of Merits and Bathing of Little Buddha. Vegetarian lunch was served after all the activities .

We reached the hermitage soon after 9am, and the Alms giving had just completed. However, we joined the Dhamma Talk and the rest of other activities.

It was a wonderful experience, though a bit too crowded with few hundreds of devotees attending the grand celebration in Buddhish calender.
Wesak Day  or Vesak Day is a holy day, which signifying the birth, enlightenment and the passing away of Buddha. It is observed by buddhishs around the world .

The Santavana Forest Hermitage , overlooking the South China Sea



One quiet corner in the garden of the hermitage

Hundred of devotees attending Dhamma talk on Wesak Day celebration



Grand Buddha statue at the Hermitage



Masters at Dhamma Talk

Devotees queing up patiently for their turns to perform the " Bathing of Little Buddha" ceremoney

Getting ready for the "Bathing of the Little Buddha" ceremony, highlight of the Wesak Day celebration.

"Bathing the Little Buddha" ceremony in process

The "Little Buddha" used for the ceremony

Devotees with happy smiling faces

Simple ,yet strng zen  feeling foral arrangement

Another floral arrangement, was informed that the flower were from the hermitage's garden

 Huge urn in front of the grand hall, yet to find out if this is a bronze urn !!



 Devotees leaving the grand hall after Dhamma Talk and "Bathing of Little Buddha" ceremony 

View from the Santavana Forest Hermitage

Santavana Forest Hermitage is located at the Tuaran district of Sabah, about 30 to 45 minutes drive from Kota Kinabalu.