Buddhist Traditions: History and Culture undergraduate course

In the BSTD 101 Buddhist Traditions: History and Culture undergraduate course, students investigate the evolution of Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia, including the life story of Shakyamuni Buddha. To provide a unique learning experience, Ven. Trung Ngyuen, a Vietnamese monastic and student at RYI, organized the Ceremony of Bathing the Baby Buddha for the students.

The celebration of Vesak Day/Buddha Jayanti each year in East Asian Buddhist countries (China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore) is an important event that includes the re-enactment of the bathing of the Baby Buddha at the time of his birth. This ceremony symbolizes the importance of inner purification for oneself and others.

References

• A Glimpse into BSTD 101 “Buddhist Traditions: History and Culture”