The Mid-Autumn Festival, held in the month of September, is a community event that inspires mindfulness and reflection as friends and family gather together. In keeping with Chinese cultural tradition, treats such as rice ball desserts and yummy mooncakes are offered to the community. Often, the youth make paper lanterns to adorn the festivities of the event or perform musical performances for the community. As everyone contributes in some way to the event, both generosity and gratefulness can be observed in action.
Under the bright full moon of the Mid-Autumn festival, we often reflect on our own bright intrinsic Buddha nature - an inherent purity and perfection of the mind. Similar to how sometimes the light of the moon is hidden behind clouds, our own difficulties and hardships can sometimes obscure our intrinsic nature. It is through right practice and mindfulness, that we can dispel any dark clouds from our own minds and reveal the full splendor of our Buddha nature. We welcome all to share in this reflection while spending time with family and friends.