The Festival of Shakyamuni Buddha’s Enlightenment celebrates Shakyamuni Buddha’s moment of spiritual awakening under the Bodhi tree in ancient India as he gazed at the morning star rising in the eastern sky. The temple altar will have a decorative tree representing the Bodhi tree, which we often refer to as a “jewel tree,” and the hall will be trimmed with winter holiday finery. We are encouraging everyone to bring a snack to share in celebration of this Festival and the holiday season