Medicine Buddha Festival

The Medicine Buddha Festival is a free, one-day Tibetan Buddhist gathering at Land of Medicine Buddha in Soquel, California, in the FPMT tradition. It is open to everyone, whether you practice, are curious, or have never set foot in a Buddhist temple. The day centers on offerings, community, and the public display of a 24-foot Medicine Buddha thangka alongside the Eight Great Bodhisattva thangkas.

What to Expect

The festival honors the guidance of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, who encouraged FPMT centers, as part of the Vast Visions for FPMT, to support, create, and display large thangkas. He also encouraged hosting thangka festival days, where many people can gather to enjoy the beauty and power of this sacred artwork and take part in offerings and other virtuous activities. This festival is one expression of that wish.

The day begins with a procession that starts at the Gompa and moves to the Wish Fulfilling Temple, where the festival takes place. There you can view the large Medicine Buddha thangka and the Eight Great Bodhisattva thangkas together. A Medicine Buddha puja is part of the day, and it closes with the ordained Sangha reading aloud the names that people have submitted for dedication. Names can be sent in ahead of time or given at the event.

Offerings are a central part of the festival, and the atmosphere is meant to be joyful and communal. People who wish to take part in the generosity of the day can sponsor flowers or food for the altar, offerings to the ordained Sangha, lunch for the Sangha and the community, or general festival expenses. Those who cannot attend can still contribute this way. Donations can also be made on the day, and everything received goes toward the expenses of the festival.

The festival runs from late morning into the afternoon, with the full schedule still to be announced. Further activities may be added, so it is worth checking in with the organizer closer to the day.

The Setting

Land of Medicine Buddha is a Tibetan Buddhist center in Soquel, in the Santa Cruz area of California. The procession begins at the Gompa and the main festival gathers at the Wish Fulfilling Temple. Free parking is available on the land.

Before You Go

No prior experience with Buddhist practice is needed, and there are no prerequisites. Visitors of any background are welcome to attend, watch, and take part as they feel comfortable.

Admission is free, and a complimentary lunch is offered to everyone. Parking on the land is also free. Registration is requested because it helps the team plan the meal count and parking. For questions about the program, you can contact the organizer, Cara, through the center.