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WHEREAS, The Buddhist Society of Pittsburgh (BSP) is an umbrella organization of Pittsburgh’s Buddhist organizations from throughout the greater Pittsburgh area whose purpose is to support Buddhism throughout Greater Pittsburgh and Western PA. The Society is composed of representatives from the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center, Tibetan Cultural Center, Olmo Ling Temple, Pittsburgh Shambala Meditation Group, Laughing Rivers Sangha, Zen Center of Pittsburgh and other groups; and,
WHEREAS, Buddhism is practiced around the world, and the Buddhist Society of Pittsburgh brings many of their diverse traditions together. On Sunday, April 28, 2019, the Buddhist Society of Pittsburgh will host its eleventh annual Vesak celebration which is the celebration of the birth, passing and enlightenment of the historical Buddha. Specifically, it honors Siddhartha Shakaymuni’s Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and parinirvana; and,
WHEREAS, the event will include meditation over water, then a short walk to the Allegheny River to offer water, release water into the Allegheny River, with intentions for peace, envisioning the water flowing from the Allegheny to the Ohio River, down the Mississippi River into the Gulf of Mexico, then through the Atlantic Ocean and across the earth; and,
WHEREAS, Buddhists have celebrated Vesak for nearly 2,600 years. Various Buddhist groups from the Pittsburgh Area will offer their own practice to share their loving kindness for the world. The event is free and everyone is welcome to attend; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize the Buddhist Society of Pittsburgh for bringing together Buddhist organizations from around Western PA and for promoting and celebrating Vesak Day in the name of peace for all; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Sunday, April 28, 2019, to be “VESAK DAY” in the City of Pittsburgh.