We come together online this year to celebrate the precious Dharma in our annual festival. A small number of us will be here in our shrine room though to hold long-awaited Mitra Ceremonies, broadcast live through Zoom later in the afternoon.

Silabodhi, Suryaka and Vishangka lead the day, with a short talk from Sarasuvanna, who will share her favourite Dharma text and teaching and the impact it’s had on her life. We’ll then have the chance to do the same in small groups, before witnessing the ceremonies.

• More about festivals and ritual

Who is the event for?

Suitable for anyone who has experience of our two meditation practices, Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana, and is open to Buddhist ritual.

---

The Buddha’s Dharma

Each year we celebrate that the Buddha was moved to communicate his wisdom and compassion to us through his teachings – traditionally called the Dharma. These teachings continue to transform our own lives and help create a better world. We too can become wiser and more compassionate human beings, just like the Buddha.

Mitra Ceremonies at Long Last

After several postponements we can now join our friends Ivan, Ellen, Dean, Lizzy, Stephen, Juliette, and Michael, as they make the traditional three declarations that they are deepening their Buddhist practice within the Triratna Community. Their many qualities will be rejoiced in by their friends in the Dharma, and they will make symbolic offerings within a Threefold Puja. Witnessing others become Mitras can help to reignite the flame of inspiration in our own journeys on the path and we too can reconnect with our heartfelt connection to following the Buddha’s teaching.

If you’d like to send cards to the new Mitras to celebrate this step on their path, address is c/o Manchester Buddhist Centre, 16-20 Turner Street, Manchester M4 1DZ.

• What is a Mitra?

---

Create your own festival at home!

Some suggestions . . .

● Set up a special shrine at home, reflecting your connection to the Buddha and his teachings
● Set up your computer, tablet or phone so we can see you and your shrine
● Invite Sangha friends to join you in your home to celebrate Dharma Day together, Covid restrictions allowing
● Find your favourite inspiring Dharma text or a poem to share in a small group on the day
● Wear blue clothing – the colour of the Dharma jewel

---

Programme

Come to all or part of the day. No need to book, just turn up a few minutes before we start.

11 am – 12 noon: Sangha check in – Meet with your Sangha friends in small groups for informal chat and a virtual cuppa! Who needs a tea area?
2 pm: Introduction and welcome to Dharma day from the Lotus Hall
2.15: Short talk by Sarasuvanna
2.50: Small groups – share your favourite bit of Dharma, prose or poem that inspires you to follow the Buddhist path
3.20: Break
3.30: Welcome new Mitras’ family and friends
3.35: What is a Mitra?
3.45: Introducing the new Mitras
4.15: Three-fold Puja with Mitra Ceremonies
5.15: Ends

---

Join this event through the Zoom App

• Getting the most out of Zoom
• Our online events are friendly and participative, often with opportunities to ask questions and share your own experience. Do turn your camera and microphone on if you can!
• If a session doesn't start on time, please give it a few minutes, there may be a sudden problem at our end
• If you have any accessibility needs that might stop you from attending our zoom sessions, do get in touch with us at info@manchesterbuddhistcentre.org.uk. We'll do what we can to remove any accessibility barriers
• Meeting ID: 943 6059 9208
• Passcode: Dharma
Take me to Dharma Day

Supporting the Centre

We want to offer as much as we can freely online for as long as we can. These are very difficult times for us though, and being mostly closed for so long means we have lost much of our income: we need your help! So if you value our Centre and community, please think about making a regular or one-off donation here.