Full Flower Moon and Wesak

Tonight is the full moon, my monthly time for action and release: I look again at the “seeds of intention” I planted 2 weeks ago at the new moon and decide on my next steps to take; I take those steps; then I release my expectations in order to clear space for new ideas and new intentions.

This moon is called the Flower Moon; it's a month of blossoming and the promise of abundance. The flowers in my garden are a delicate and beautiful reminder to me to project a gentle, honest spirit into the world. I open my heart, give my gifts with love, and receive the abundant gifts others offer me with sincerity.

Today is also Wesak (pronounced way-sak). The full moon in May is the day that Buddhists honor the birth of Gautama Buddha in Lumbini, Nepal, in 623 BCE, and it's also a day to honor Buddha’s enlightenment and death. 

Buddhists all over the world celebrate this day to remember the Buddha's virtues, and express their gratitude and appreciation for his teachings. They celebrate by finding ways to be more Buddha-like: By practicing meditation, visiting monasteries and listening to sermons from venerable monks and nuns, serving free vegetarian meals to poor people, making donations to charities, and distributing gifts. 

Agenda for today:

1. Altar:

Each month at the full moon I put a motto or quote on my altar, to ponder. This month:

When you’re happy, nothing changes – but everything is different.

~Michael Neill

I also add new candles, in colors that symbolize what I want to focus on. In June I add-

an orange candle, for joy.

2. Journal:

Review the intentions I set 2 weeks ago, at the new moon. 

Do these goals all still seem vital? What are my next steps?

Write about what brings me joy, contentment, serenity, satisfaction, and harmony. 

How can I invite more of this into my life? How can I develop my creative and playful qualities?

3. Practice at my theme:

My theme this month is joy- My intentions:

• Read a book about happiness.
• Create happy feelings by telling myself better "stories" (less mental complaining!).
• Allow time for spontaneity.
• Play with painting new subject matter. 

4. Take Action:

The full moon is a time to celebrate life, stay up late, see friends, exercise harder, and be more creative and outgoing. The crazy full moon energy builds and builds; it’s best to acknowledge it so it doesn’t throw me off balance. This surge of energy allows me to take action on intentions I set two weeks ago. Today I will plan the steps to take to complete some projects... planting zinnias, tomatoes, basil, and peppers.

5. Make a lantern for Wesak:
Many Buddists in Asia decorate for Wesak with flags and elaborate lanterns. We made a tissue paper lantern, with dowels.

6. Cook Cauliflower and Potato Curry from Nepal:

Buddhists all over the world refrain from eating meat on this day, and serve vegetarian meals to poor people. Here’s a vegetarian curry from the Buddha’s homeland of Nepal.

Ingredients

• 1/4 c. cooking oil

• small piece of fresh ginger
root
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 medium onion

• 2 medium potatoes
• 1/2 a cauliflower
• 1 can diced tomatoes 

• 1 tsp. turmeric powder

• 2 tsp. curry powder

• 1/2 c. water

• Salt, to taste

• 1 tsp. chili flakes

Yield: 4 servings-

1- Prepare all the vegetables: Peel and mince the gingerroot and garlic. Chop the onion. Peel and cut the potatoes into small pieces (I didn't peel mine). Cut the cauliflower into small florets.

2- Put the oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or wok, and heat on high. When hot, reduce to medium-high, add ginger and garlic, and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds until fragrant and golden. 

3- Add onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent and softened. 

4- Add turmeric and curry powder and stir well. After 10 seconds add potatoes, then the cauliflower, then the tomatoes, then the water, and mix thoroughly. Season with salt to taste.

Cover and cook over high heat for 5 minutes. 

5- Add the chili flakes, if you like it hot! Stir thoroughly, reduce heat to medium, cover and cook for further 20- 25 minutes. Serve with basmati rice.