Community & ceremony
Temple Life
The rhythm of observance and celebration that shapes the Vihara's year.
(photo to be added)
Every full moon
Poya Observances
Poya is the Buddhist observance day, held on each full moon. At Redbridge, the day is marked with the Eight Precepts (Sil), quiet meditation through the day, Dhamma teaching and reflection, and chanting and devotion (puja) in the shrine room — the full rhythm of a Poya day, from morning stillness to evening chanting.
The year's festivals
Annual Ceremonies
Three of the year's most significant observances — see the full Annual Programme and Gallery for everything else.
(to be added)
Vesak
Marking the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha, with Sil observance and a dansala for all.
(to be added)
Poson
Commemorating the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, with devotional songs and a dansala.
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Katina
The annual robe-offering to the Sangha at the close of the rains retreat — a highlight of the temple year.
Family & community
Community & Blessings
Beyond the calendar of festivals, the Vihara is a place for family blessings, community gatherings, and the everyday generosity that sustains temple life.
Offering a meal (Food dāna) — offering food to the resident monk is central to temple life. The Vihara offers two daily meals: breakfast before 6:30 am, and the midday meal before noon. To offer a meal, telephone the Vihara and ask the monk directly for an available date.
Memorial almsgivings — offering a meal in memory of a loved one is a traditional and welcomed act of dāna; arrange this the same way, by telephone.
Family blessings — the monk can be asked to bless a family occasion; telephone the Vihara to arrange.
Special ceremonies — further detail to be added with the temple.
Community gatherings — further detail to be added with the temple.
(photo to be added)