"Buddhists celebrate the big 2,500"

The UB Zen Buddhism Club threw an atypical birthday party on Saturday.

With activities including meditation, crafts and a feast, the celebration in the Student Union honored the 2,500th anniversary of the birth of Guatama Buddha.

Born Siddhartha Gautama around 563 B.C.E. in the southern foothills of the Himalayas, Buddha's teachings are the foundation of Buddhism to this day.

"Being brought up in this country with many cultures, main stream cultures are based around Christianity," said Mike Czysz, a UB Zen Buddhism club member. "It's important for other aspects of people spirituality to be incorporated into American society or at least exposed."

The celebration began with an explanation on how important meditation is in Buddhism, including bowing, breathing, and posture.

"You can solve within you the problems, if you meditate," said Okhee Kim, UB Zen Buddhism instructor. "It makes you calm and (is) very helpful for doing anything."

Kim explained that if meditation increases confidence and composure, it can help with stressful situations such as interviews or exams.

Although soothing, she also emphasized that meditation can be difficult.

"You practice harder and when you don't know something you will recognize (it)," Kim said.

The group began to bow, and then sat down and began to meditate slowly inhaling and exhaling for about half an hour. While mediating, the club members were sitting in an upright position on cushions displaying the proper posture needed.

"We don't have anything like this, this is not a religion, this is a lifestyle," said Elise Kogut, a sophomore psychology major. "It's life philosophy that questions yourself (and) why you're here."

Club members then stopped and stretched after holding their position for 30 minutes. They ended the session with a chant and recited a prayer that everyone participated in. In all, 12 people showed up for the event.

After the meditation and prayer, the attendees preceded to an arts and crafts table. The group made lotus flowers out of thin colorful paper to be put on their pedestals while they meditate.

For the group, meditating together was a chance to combine strength.

"Together is more power," Kim said. "It's hard to sit alone."

After the arts and craft project, traditional Korean food was served. A prayer called "song of offering food to Buddha" was recited before the meal began. Dishes served included rice cakes and a clear form of noodles made of sweet potatoes.