About the Rose Ceremony
In the West we have Mother’s Day and Father’s Day to celebrate the presence of our parents in our lives. The Rose Ceremony is a tradition that Thầy began after a visit to Japan. While in Tokyo some Japanese students pinned a carnation on Thầy’s robe. On Mother’s day, it is their custom to wear a red flower on the lapel when your mother is still alive, and a white one if she is no longer alive. In Vietnam (and other Asian countries) there is a tradition to celebrate the Ullambana Ceremony, which is an occasion to commemorate Venerable Maudgalyayana for his expression of filial love – rescuing his Mother from the Hell realm. Every year, as part of the Plum Village tradition we celebrate both the Ullambana and the Rose Ceremony together. It is an opportunity to pay respect and offer gratitude to our parents for their love and care throughout our lives. This is special as it is a time when you can reflect on and appreciate the good seeds that your parents have passed on to you, whether they are still alive or have already passed away.
The tentative schedule is as follow, is subject to change:
09:30 Orientation for New Friends
10:00 Walking Meditation
11:00 Rose Festival
12:30 Lunch
15:00 Be-In