International Zen-Temple in Berlin

2567th Birthday

of the Buddha Shakyamuni

27 May 2023

The Origin of the "Buddhist Era" (B.E.)

In 1957, the "World Fellowship of Buddhists" (W.F.B.) convened in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu. At that time, the participants, including many famous Buddhist scholars and great monks from all over the world, laid down that the "Buddhist Era" (B.E.), counting from the year of Buddha's birth, is defined in the way that the year 1957 A.D. is corresponding to 2500 B.E.

Yet there were two dissenting countries that didn't accept this decision: The Korean Buddhists and the Buddhists of Sri Lanka. They insisted that 1957 A.D. was equivalent to 2501 B.E., thus proceeding one year "faster" than the W.F.B. council's decision. So in these two countries, 2023 A.D. is considered to be 2567 B.E.

The ceremonial calendar of International Zen-Temple e.V. follows the Korean tradition.

The Celebration of Buddha's Birthday

Along with Buddhists all over the world, once a year, on the 8th day of the 4th month according to the lunar calendar, the practitioners of International Zen-Temple e.V. celebrate Shakyamuni Buddha's birthday. This holiday is anteceded by a preparation period during which the practitioners make themselves ready for the great event, trying to make their minds pure and clear through the practice of praying. They also convene for several days in the temple to manufacture the colorful lotus lanterns out of many single paper leaves, thus following an old tradition in Korea Buddhism. Participation in the preparatory works of manufacturing the lotus lanterns creates great blessings for all participants, their families, and their personal environment.

Members and friends of the temple who are not able to personally participate in the making of the lotus lanterns can also acquire them through a donation. The acquisiton of a lotus lantern is linked to a personal wish for whose fulfillment the Ven. Zen Master Young San Seong Do will pray.

At Buddha's Birthday itself, the celebrating monk holds a special ceremony that also includes a special prayer for the fulfillment of the wishes linked to the purchase of a lotus lantern.
Usually, Buddha's Birthday Ceremony is combined with the solemn ritual of Su Ge Shik, i.e. the special ceremony through which practitioners receive the Five Precepts for Lay People.

Ven. Zen Master Young-san Seong Do said:
"The lotus lantern is a symbol of enlightenment and Buddha’s Birth means the appearance of your own true face. You should understand that praying to Buddha is a practice of seeing your true nature by making your mind empty with the help of the Koan."

The Lotus Lanterns

The lotus flower, which reveals its wonderfully perfect flower out of the murky waters, has always been a symbol of Buddha's Enlightenment and stands for His pure and benevolent mind.

Following a 1000 year old tradition in Korean Buddhism, the lotus lanterns are made by hand in the International Zen-Temple e.V. for the celebration of Buddha's Birthday. They are hung in the main halls of the temple and keep hanging for one year in order to protect those who made donations to enable their making and offered their time and labor to prepare them. During the entire period, Ven. Zen Master Young San Seong will be praying for the wellbeing of the donators.

Celebration of Buddha's Birthday

09:20 Recitation of the Diamond Sutra by the Ven. Zen Master
10:00 Ceremony of Buddha's Birthday and Lotus Lantern Prayer
11:00 Dharma Speech by the Ven. Zen Master
12:00 Break

Su Ge Shik

15:00 Su Ge Shik (Ceremony of Receiving the Five Buddhist Precepts)
17:00 Dharma Speech to the Su Ge Shik
18:00 Recitation of the Four Great Vows