Hannamatsuri (Flower Festival) Service / Shotsuki

According to Buddhist tradition, Prince Siddhartha Gautama (Sakyamuni Buddha), the son of King Suddhodhana and Queen Maya, was born on 8 April, 566 B.C. in the garden of Lumbini, in present day Nepal.

Flowers decorate a statue of the Buddha and the Sangha is invited to symbolically pour sweet tea over the baby Buddha statue, recreating the legend that at birth, a gentle perfumed nectar rain fell from the sky bathing the baby Buddha.

Shotsuki is a monthly memorial service to honour and remember loved ones who have passed away in this month.

All of our services are open to everyone and no prior knowledge or experience with Buddhism is necessary.

The services are conducted in English with the exception of some chanting.

Service books are provided so that everyone can participate in these traditional, centuries old chants.