Autumn Equinox: Harvest of Peace in Ottawa
Shambhala Buddhism’s religious year relies on a lunisolar calendar, meaning that our celebration days depend on both phases of the moon and stations of the sun. We call these Nyida Days, from the Tibetan words for Sun and Moon, and they include four seasonal celebrations that mark the solstice and equinox days. our Autumn Equinox celebration is Harvest of Peace: An important time for us to join together as a community to practice, celebrate, and enjoy each other’s company, and a celebration of, among other things, the literal harvest.
Naturally, this is the perfect time to take your kids apple picking or make preserves with pears, plums, and nectarines. But you can also use this special day to begin the long process of thanking your garden and putting it to bed for the year, make Lhasang (offerings of juniper incense), and share a potluck meal with friends and chosen family.
Looking for a walking meditation you can do on your own or with others?
Take a slow walk through your neighbourhood and really notice what’s happening in the moment: Which flowers are still blooming? What has gone to seed? Which leaves are changing colour and which trees are already bare? Are the squirrels putting on their winter coats yet? Can you hear the voices of migrating birds?
How do the seasonal changes of Autumn Equinox show up here and now?
Of course, we hope you’ll come to the Centre to join our Harvest of Peace community celebration on Sunday, September 18th as well.
No matter how you celebrate, we wish you all a Cheerful Harvest of Peace.
