A LANTERN illustrated with scenes from the Buddha's life helped to illuminate a recent celebration by Buddhists in Kendal.

The Buddhist Group of Kendal (Theravada) gathered to mark the festival of Vesak, which recalls the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha.

The special lamp made by Upasaka Dhammika Duncan Fisher was admired by Kendal's deputy mayor Cllr Andy Blackman, who attended the event at Kendal's United Reformed Church.

"Vesak lanterns are very popular in Buddhist countries such as Sri Lanka and Thailand – so I thought it would be nice to try making one," said Duncan.

"However, I didn’t realise how much work it would require – in fact it took 10 months to complete. After much hard work I am pleased with the final result. I hope it serves the group at Vesak for many years to come”.

http://buddhistgroupofkendal.co.uk