Upcoming Events

Saga Dawa (Wesak) Festival

Sunday 31st May, 9.45am – 1.30pm, Bodhicharya UK Centre in Rochester

Wesak/Vesak is one of the most important festivals common to many Buddhist traditions. It celebrates the Buddha’s birth and for some it also marks his enlightenment and death (Parinirvana). It is seen as a time to reflect on the Buddha’s teachings and what it means to be a Buddhist. However, everyone is welcome to join the celebration, to find out more about Buddhism and enjoy the occasion.

 

 

In Tibetan Buddhism, Wesak is celebrated as Saga Dawa, a month-long festival with the peak celebration on the full moon day in the fourth Tibetan lunar month which is 31st May this year.

As the Bodhicharya UK Buddhist Centre approaches its first birthday, our Wesak festival is fittingly the first time the three Buddhist traditions teaching from the centre (Tibetan, Chinese Zen and Japanese Jōdo Shinshū) are collaborating on a community event.

In many countries, Buddhists will visit their local temple or centre on Wesak Day for services and teaching, and typically give offerings of food, candles and flowers which you are invited to bring if you would like.

 

Timing and Programme

Our programme in the centre, beginning at 10am will include:

  • Mantra chanting
  • Talks on the birth, enlightenment, death and legacy of the Buddha
  • Guided meditation
  • Bathing the Buddha ceremony

We will also have arts and crafts activities for families in the marquees on the green. Children will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.

 

Lunch and Refreshments

The activities will conclude around 12.45pm with lunch and you are invited to bring vegetarian and vegan food offerings for our shared lunch.

Drinks and snacks will be available throughout the morning.

 

Free Event

This is a free event open to all. Any donations are welcome but not necessary to attend.

 

Venue Details

Bodhicharya UK Buddhist Meditation Centre

Jacksons Field
New Road
Rochester
Kent
ME1 1DX

Bodhicharya UK Events

All of the upcoming events happening across the various Bodhicharya UK groups.

June 2026

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
1
  • The "Middle Way" Study Group | on ZOOM
2
  • Buddhism – The Foundations | on ZOOM
  • Buddhist Meditation Study and Reflection Evenings In Person (Kent) and Online via Zoom
3
  • The Buddha of Compassion | on ZOOM
  • Bodhisattvacharyāvatāra Study Group | on ZOOM
4
  • Charles Manson Meditation Teaching - Karma Pakshi (The Buddhist Society & Zoom)
  • Discussion and Meditation (Bodhicharya London) | on ZOOM
  • Bodhicharya Bosham Weekly Meetings
5
  • White Tara, the Saviouress | on ZOOM
6
7
  • Vajrasattva Practice | on ZOOM
8
  • The "Middle Way" Study Group | on ZOOM
9
  • Buddhism – The Foundations | on ZOOM
  • Buddhist Meditation Study and Reflection Evenings In Person (Kent) and Online via Zoom
10
  • The Buddha of Compassion | on ZOOM
  • Bodhisattvacharyāvatāra Study Group | on ZOOM
11
  • Discussion and Meditation (Bodhicharya London) | on ZOOM
  • Bodhicharya Bosham Weekly Meetings
12
  • White Tara, the Saviouress | on ZOOM
13
14
  • Vajrasattva Practice | on ZOOM
15
  • The "Middle Way" Study Group | on ZOOM
16
  • Buddhism – The Foundations | on ZOOM
  • Buddhist Meditation Study and Reflection Evenings In Person (Kent) and Online via Zoom
17
  • The Buddha of Compassion | on ZOOM
  • Bodhisattvacharyāvatāra Study Group | on ZOOM
18
  • Discussion and Meditation (Bodhicharya London) | on ZOOM
  • Bodhicharya Bosham Weekly Meetings
19
  • White Tara, the Saviouress | on ZOOM
20
21
  • Vajrasattva Practice | on ZOOM
22
  • The "Middle Way" Study Group | on ZOOM
23
  • Buddhism – The Foundations | on ZOOM
  • Buddhist Meditation Study and Reflection Evenings In Person (Kent) and Online via Zoom
24
  • The Buddha of Compassion | on ZOOM
  • Bodhisattvacharyāvatāra Study Group | on ZOOM
25
  • Discussion and Meditation (Bodhicharya London) | on ZOOM
  • Bodhicharya Bosham Weekly Meetings
26
  • White Tara, the Saviouress | on ZOOM
27
28
  • Vajrasattva Practice | on ZOOM
29
  • The "Middle Way" Study Group | on ZOOM
30
  • Buddhism – The Foundations | on ZOOM
  • Buddhist Meditation Study and Reflection Evenings In Person (Kent) and Online via Zoom

Ringu Tulku Rinpoche’s Teaching Schedule

Please see here for an updated schedule of teachings given by Ringu Tulku Rinpoche.