Vesak Month 2026: A Month-Long Celebration of the Buddha | Buddhism.net One day isn’t enough to honor the Enlightened One. While Vesak Day falls on May 31, 2026 [the second full moon of the month on the Gregorian calendar], we’re celebrating at Buddhism.net all month long, with five special episodes of "Vibe with Venerables." Join our global community throughout May to commemorate the Buddha’s birth, great enlightenment, and final nirvana, featuring five special "Vibe with Venerables" episodes. Three leading Buddhist masters -- Bhante Buddharakkhita (Theravada), Trungram Gyalwa Rinpoche (Vajrayana), and Roshi Joan Halifax (Zen) -- will host sessions on the Buddha, alongside two joint sessions with Pali canon sutra experts Bhante Sujato and Venerable Canda. Register
Vesak (Mahamevnawa Meditation Center, North of England)Namo Buddhaya! Commemorating the sacred threefold anniversary of our Great Teacher, the Supremely Enlightened Buddha, Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, Liverpool, proudly presents a Glorious Vesak Festival 2026 for the 4th consecutive year. We warmly invite all to witness the splendor of Vesak and gather merit. The festival will be held with great devotion at the Liverpool Mahamevnawa Monastery premises on: May 15, 16, and 17, 2026.
Get ready for change! The Vesak (Wesak) Full Moon Festival of Lights 2026 ignites
(WTC) As we are now experiencing the Full Moon of Scorpio on May 1, 2026, it brings with it the ability to step into a transformative energy that allows us to expand more deeply into a new phase of a divine plan. Self comes into focus.
This means that the alignment of Cosmic energies are opening up so that each individual can enter more deeply into the shadow of self and allow for deeper healing to occur within the body's full system (physical-etheric-emotional-mental).
While that may seem like so much “esoteric verbiage,” it carries with it a very real-world shift in what is occurring in terms of our spiritual potential.
The moon in Scorpio can be intensely emotionally challenging each year, as it is a time of deep reflection that allows for an opening of the subconscious mind into a state of purity. This is a rare occasion for humanity to allow for reflection. Doing so can cause emotional upheavals and challenges to occur.
For most of us it is difficult to realize that there are elements in our reality that no longer are working... More: walkingterrachrista.com
*Joan Halifax collaborated on LSD research projects with her ex-husband Stanislav Grof in the 1970s, in addition to other collaborative efforts with Joseph Campbell and Alan Lomax. She is founder of the Ojai Foundation in California, which she led from 1979 to 1989. As a socially engaged Buddhist, Halifax has done extensive work (palliative care) with the dying through her Project on Being with Dying, which she founded. She is on the board of directors of the Mind and Life Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the relationship of science and Buddhism.
“Consciousness has kind of become the secular substitute for the soul [Ancient Greek psyche as in psychology and psyche-delic],” Pollan tells interviewer Terry Gross.
Pollan also talks about current studies on consciousness and whether other animals, plants, bacteria, algae, and programmed hardware/software combinations known as "artificial intelligence" have or can eventually have consciousness. More + AUDIO
Buddhist author Michael Pollan has a Number 1 best seller
in Consciousness & Thought Philosophy. From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of How to Change Your Mind, a panoptic exploration of consciousness—what it is, who/what has it, and why—and a meditation on the essence of our humanity.
When it comes to the phenomenon that is consciousness, there is one point on which scientists, philosophers, and artists all agree: It feels [not thinks] like something to be us. Yet the fact that we have subjective experience (sentience) of the world remains one of nature’s greatest mysteries.
What would a scientific investigation of our inner life look like, when we have as little distance and perspective on it as fish do of water in the sea?
In A World Appears, Michael Pollan traces the unmapped continent that is consciousness, bringing radically different perspectives—scientific, philosophical, literary, spiritual and psychedelic—to see what each can teach us about this central fact of life.
When neuroscientists began studying consciousness in the early 1990s, they sought to explain how and why three pounds of spongy [tofu like] gray matter could generate a subjective point of view—assuming that the brain is the source of our perceived reality.
Pollan takes readers to the cutting edge of the field, where neuroscientists are entertaining more radical (and less materialist) theories of consciousness.
He introduces us to “plant neurobiologists” searching for the first flicker of consciousness in plants, scientists striving to engineer feelings into AI, and psychologists and novelists seeking to capture the felt experience of this slippery stream of consciousness.
In Pollan’s dazzling exploration of consciousness, he discovers a world far deeper and stranger than this everyday reality.
Eye-opening and mind-expanding, A World Appears takes us into the laboratories of our own brains and minds, hearts and feelings, ultimately showing us how we might make better use of the gift of awareness to more meaningfully connect with the world and what we assume to be our deepest selves. More: A World Appears
See all formats and editions for savings. Book comes out Feb. 24, 2026. Pre-order price guarantee. Named a "most anticipated book of 2026" by The New York Times, TIME, and Oprah Daily.
Guest Michael Pollan, Terry Gross, Tonya Mosley, Adam Staniszewski, NPR.org, Feb. 19, 2026; Dhr. Seven, Pat Macpherson, CC Liu (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly
Nirvana is the ultimate goal in Buddhism, the peak, the summum bonum. It's also a band.
Punk was fresh and rebellious and underground.
Long, long ago, in the early days of LA's hardcore punk scene, the Germs (one of the first hardcore bands with a female musician) used to play in Redondo Beach. They were banned from most places in Hollywood. I remember sitting on stage in front of Pat Smear's amp as he struggled to play even rudimentary guitar.
Darby Crash could not be convinced to use a microphone. He would yell and cut himself as he contorted on the stage, giving the crowd a show. Then years later Seattle vomited up Nirvana. And they would play around LA in small clubs. I resented Kurt's choice of a band name, a cheap shot, a low blow, exploitation, thinking that sacred attainment out of bounds for such a worldly purpose as a band name. Like Darby and I, Kurt at least understood the Buddhist significance of the word.
The Germ's punk tribute to Buddhism "The Slave"
Bam! Where did the shotgun blast come from?
Nirvana literally means "the end of all suffering." So on that basis it was a good name for a depressive grunge band from the mighty banks of the muddy river that runs through rainy Seattle. The Germs had a great album, "G.I.," a punk classic. Reading the liner notes, I was shocked to see that Joan Jett of all people had anything to do with it. She put it together. Joan Jett always just seemed like some rough gal who made out with child actor Dakota Fanning in a film about The Runaways, amazing she could extend her 15 minutes of fame to a lifetime of playing in front of an audience. (Of course, she didn't play herself in the biopic, but that's how I remember the female rocker).
The Germs live, "Lexicon Devil," with Darby Crash intoxicated as usual
Then, when Dave Grohl wasn't going to let Cobain's suicide (or murder by drug addled Courtney Love as the private investigator hired to investigate the death concluded and got in a lot of trouble for coming on the Kevin & Bean Show on KROQ and talking about it, now that Love was a rich heir that could sue anyone who dared to imply she was guilty of anything, as she went on to try her hand at acting in a movie about Larry Flynt) stand in the way of his musical career and went on to form Foo Fighters, bassist Krist Novoselic put together a band. I won tickets to see the group at The Troubadour in West Hollywood. I should have stayed home. They were horrible and boring and an insult to any expectations. Who, other than his mom, knew that Great Hair Dave was the secret power source of the group?
Whatever Cobain was channeling, it sure didn't seem Krist was contributing much. Though, of course, every member of a band contributes something ineffable even if people can't see it, maybe just energy and past life connections. So for all that time to pass, and all those Nirvana tee-shirts to be sold and worn by people who may never have heard the band, it's an inspiration to see the reformation go down like this. Pat Smear was a legend, and Dave Grohl knew it, so inducting him into the Foo Fighters was no accident. And it's almost as if he finally learned to play the guitar.
When people said the greatest grunge drummer in history would be playing the benefit, it seemed like a natural assumption that it would just be him on guitar with his very young daughter on drums like before. But this is Violet Grohl, not the little drummer girl (Harper). So what a treat to see all the effort that went into putting this together with Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth and St. Vincent with a defective earpiece still pulling out a fabulous performance. All hail, Dave (a kind of Don Bolles), a cheating cheater who cheats but that seems part and parcel to rock 'n roll. They all loved British Buddhist and almost-Scottish Buddhist monk David Bowie.
Vajrayana Buddhist David Bowie on spirituality
Dave Grohl, extreme metal fan of Sepultura
*Millions have heard Nirvana’s cover of the David Bowie classic “The Man Who Sold the World” from their Unplugged album. Drummer Dave Grohl and guitarist Pat Smear (like Kurt Cobain and Darby Crash before them) are devout Bowie fans. But who knew that Smear and his bandmates in the Germs used to stalk Bowie all over 1970s' Los Angeles? Join Smear and Grohl as they drive around L.A. (in a custom and, as Grohl says, “totally ‘90s” Ford Bronco) visiting Bowie’s L.A. homes, both personal and creative. Along the way the two bandmates reminisce, nerd out on Bowie trivia, and even pick up a legendary passenger. (They also call Joan Jett at home.)
Eds., Wisdom Quarterly; Germs; Dave Grohl, Nirvana (reunion), Joan Jett, FireAid LA Fire benefit
American Theravada (Vipassana) Buddhist Sharon Salzberg is a central figure in the field of mindfulness and loving-kindness meditation, a world-renowned teacher, and a New York Times bestselling author.
She has played a crucial role in bringing meditation and mindfulness practices to the West [from India] and into mainstream culture since 1974. She is co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, and the author of ten books, including Real Love.
She offers a secular, modern approach to Buddhist teachings, making them readily accessible.
"World religions teach us that suffering is part of the human condition. Our attempts to avoid suffering prevent us from experiencing essential insights and awareness that lead to spiritual healing and growth.
Knee Deep in Grace
"Individually and collectively, we must step into the shadows, sit with our fears, and embrace vulnerability.
Spiritual teachings and practices help us transform the darkness into light, the fallow to the fertile, and awaken a deep level of awareness and accountability.
"Through these teachings, can we come to confront our shortcomings and broken behaviors? How can we face America’s most egregious acts, including genocide and slavery? How can feminine insight hold space for the darkness so that we can be transformed?"
THE 23RD ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF FAITHS, "Sacred Insight - Feminine Wisdom" is a five-day nationally acclaimed multi-faith celebration of music, poetry, art, film, and dialogue with spiritual leaders, practitioners, and teachers. April 24-28, 2018 | Louisville, Kentucky. More info: festivaloffaiths.org
The 2018 Festival explores practices, teachings, and insight rooted in Feminine wisdom. Speakers and artists from diverse backgrounds and faith traditions examine the Feminine aspects of God, non-dual thinking, the wisdom of the natural world, suffering, healing, emotional intelligence, and creativity.
The Festival seeks to offer deeper insight into the Sacred Feminine in all of us.
Join the Conversation.
Join the Movement.
#FOF2018
"One of America's Top 8 Spiritual Travel Destinations."
The book weaves together scientific research and her own powerful personal experiences as a social activist and humanitarian in prison in New Mexico and high in the Himalayas to show how we can transform our biggest challenges with compassion and wisdom. Halifax’s teachings benefit Google as it takes on big challenges that respect the opportunities before us. Her talk demonstrates how to do this while still maintaining respect for each other through compassion.
ABOUT:
Joan Halifax is an American Zen Buddhist teacher, anthropologist, ecologist, civil rights activist, hospice caregiver, and the author of several books on Buddhism and spirituality. She received her doctoral degree in medical anthropology and received a National Science Foundation Fellowship in visual anthropology, was an Honorary Research Fellow in Medical Ethnobotany at Harvard University, and was a Distinguished Visiting Scholar at the Library of Congress. She is a thought leader with respect to well-being and compassion. She is a highly sought-after speaker widely known and respected in many communities.
More info: upaya.org.
Tibetan Buddhists have suffered deep persecution from the majority Han Chinese government. John Oliver sits down with the 14th Dalai Lama to discuss China, the conditions in occupied Tibet, and horse milk. Connect with Last Week Tonight online...on its YouTube channel for more almost news as it almost happens (youtube.com) and the way your mom would on facebook.com.
BuddhaFest LA embraces mindfulness and compassion through a unique mix of inspiring films, modern wisdom teachings, meditation, and live music. Individual events and an entire weekend of wisdom, inspiration, and community. Featuring:
Prof. Robert Thurman (tibethouse.us), Uma Thurman's dad
BuddhaFest 2014: A Festival for Heart and Mind. The fest is inspired by the principles of mindfulness and compassion and features four days of films, talks, Buddhist meditation, and music at the Spectrum Theatre at Artisphere in the Rosslyn area of Arlington, VA, just outside of Washington, D.C.(See complete BuddhaFest Schedule)
Opening Night Film: "Blood Brother," Sundance Grand Jury and Audience Award winner!
"Good Morning America" (GMA/ABC) panicky Weekend Anchor Dan Harris will speak on opening night about the spiritual odyssey that led him to Buddhist principles and mindfulness.
"The craft of loving-kindness is the everyday face of wisdom and the
ordinary hand of compassion. This wisdom face, this hand of mercy, is
never realized alone but always with and through others." - Roshi Joan Halifax (upaya.org)
It's
easy to feel overwhelmed by all the bad news and horrific pictures in
the world. This is a form of empathy, Joan Halifax says, that works
against us. The Zen abbess (Upaya.org) and medical anthropologist has bracing,
nourishing thoughts on finding buoyancy rather than burnout -- or compassion fatigue -- in how we
work, live, and care.
on thepart of
caregivers who are tending to the ill and dying.
Joan Halifax Roshi is a Buddhist teacher, Zen priestess,
medical anthropologist, and author. She is founder, abbess, and head teacher of
Upaya Zen Center, a Buddhist monastery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She has
worked in the area of death and dying for over 30 years and is
director of the Project On Being with Dying. For the past 25 years, she
has been active in environmental work.
(TEDtalksDirector) Buddhist teacher Joan Halifax works with people at the last stage of life (in a hospice and on death row). She shares what she has learned about compassion in the face of death and dying and a deep insight into the nature of empathy (Blog.TED.com).
Roshi Joan Halifax will visit for a special benefit weekend celebrating Against the Stream's fourth anniversary.
ALTARS IN THE STREETS: Occupy the Heart Saturday – Feb. 18, 7:30-9:00 pm This talk will explore spirituality taken from the monastery into the world. Through work in the prison system and with dying people, social and political activism, and a commitment to environmental responsibility, she looks at three aspects of spirituality:
spirituality of social action addressing structural violence
spirituality of service addressing direct and indirect suffering
spirituality of conscience and conscientiousness.
These three aspects are viewed from a Buddhist perspective where mutuality or interdependence is the base of our relationship with the world.
ENGAGED BUDDHISM: A Daylong Practice Sunday – Feb. 19, 9:00 am-4:00 pm The Dalai Lama said, "Compassion is not a luxury; it is a necessity for the humanity to survive." This daylong explores fierce compassion, radical wisdom, and fearlessness in today’s world. It includes teachings, practices, and research on the mental qualities that make it possible for us encounter the world bravely.
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While that may seem like so much “esoteric verbiage,” it carries with it a very real-world shift in what is occurring in terms of our spiritual potential.
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