Today@Dal

See below for a sample of dates to observe, reflect, celebrate or promote throughout the university community. The full calendar is available on the website, http://www.dal.ca/dept/dalrespect/about/calendar.html

December 6
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, this day marks the anniversary of the murders in 1989 of fourteen young women at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal. They died because they were women. As well as commemorating the fourteen young women whose lives ended in an act of gender-based violence that shocked the nation, December 6 represents an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the phenomenon of violence against women in our society. It is also an opportunity to consider the women and girls for whom violence is a daily reality and to remember those who have died as a result of gender-based violence. And finally, it is a day on which communities can consider concrete actions to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

Halifax Explosion Memorial Day
The Halifax Explosion occurred on Thursday, December 6, 1917, when the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia was devastated by the huge detonation of a French cargo ship, fully loaded with wartime explosives that had accidentally collided with a ship set for Belgium in “The Narrows” section of the Halifax Harbour. Approximately 2,000 people (mostly Canadians) were killed by debris, fires, or collapsed buildings and it is estimated that over 9,000 people were injured. This is still one of the world’s largest man-made, conventional explosions to date.

December 8
Bodhi Day/ Rohatsu (BU-Zen)
It is the most important holiday in the Zen Buddhist tradition. It is the celebration and re-enactment of Gautama Buddha's final week of effort under the Bodhi Tree ending with his profound awakening. It is traditional in Soto Zen practice to take part in a sesshin (intensive week-long meditation) during Rohatsu.

December 10
International Human Rights Day (UN)
On December 10, 1948, members of the United Nations gathered in Paris to adopt the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Each year since then December 10 marks International Human Rights Day, the anniversary of the day that the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This unprecedented act was to ensure that the inherent dignity of every person is valued and protected.

Maunajiyaras (JA)
Maunajiyaras is a day of fasting, silence, and meditation on the five holy beings: monks, teachers, religious leaders, Arihants (Jinas, enlightened masters), and Siddhas (liberated souls). This day is also regarded as the anniversary of the birth of many of the Tirthankaras or Pathfinders.

December 11
Masa’il (BA)
On Masa’il the fifteenth month of the Baha’i Calendar begins.