We observe the traditional Zen ceremony of Hanamatsuri, or flower festival, to commemorate the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha on April 8. Born standing up, he took seven steps, raised his right hand and declared, “Above the heavens, below the earth, I alone am the World Honored One.” By the action of offering flowers and bathing the baby Buddha with sweet tea, we purify our own minds and thus give birth to Buddha.
