People invited to take part in Buddhist tradition at Hebburn temple

The Dhammakaya Meditation Centre in Church Street, Hebburn will open its doors to mark one of the most important dates on the Buddhist calender on Sunday November 11.

The day will also include a ceremony to highlight the installing of stained glass windows at the church.

As well as marking Kathina with traditional ceremonial activities, the celebration will also give people the chance to find out more about the teachings of Buddha and the benefits of meditation.

The Kathina festival, dating back 2,500 years, is the largest alms-giving event of the Buddhist year.

It is held at the end of the monsoon period, in October or November, to mark the time when Buddhist monks move on from where they had been based for several months previously. The festival also celebrates offerings of cloth.

The celebrations will start at 9.15am with meditation and chanting before a ceremony will take place at 10am to mark the installation of the stained glass windows.

This will be followed by traditional Buddhist alms giving at 11.10am, traditional Thai food at 11.45pm.

In the afternoon the Kathina Celebration will start at 12.50pm until 3pm.

To register to be part of the celebrations visit www.meditationnewcastle.co.uk