“The mind is everything. What you think you become.”
Yes, this quote holds true especially in Covid-19 times, when situations seem so bleak, and the pandemic seems to be never ending. At hard times like now, it is festivals and their celebrations (even though most of them are online) that give us happiness and hope for a brighter future.
Vesak Day is the most important and sacred day in Buddhism. It is also known as Buddha Purnima, Buddha Jayanti, and has a few other names depending on the region. Buddhists all over the world celebrate the day with the utmost devotion and piety. Vesak day falls on the first full moon of the Vaisakha month of the Lunar calendar, and it is a public holiday here in Singapore. The name Vesak came from Vaisakha.
Story of Vesak
Vesak is the day commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
Do you know how Buddhism came about? Well, Buddhism originated from Siddhartha Gautama, who was born into a royal family. He grew up in the confines of his palace and was unaware of the outside world. He soon got married and later, he and his wife welcomed a child. But, he was not content in his life. He wanted to see the outside world. So, one day, he slipped out. He witnessed the life of people outside the palace walls. He saw and felt their misery and death for the first time in his life. It had a considerable impact on him. The question of why such misery exists in the world tormented him. He left behind his family and the palace in search of an answer. He spent a large part of his life in search of a solution. Over many years, he learned about meditation and read different sacred texts. Finally, in a place known as Bodh Gaya, he went into deep meditation and woke up enlightened on the first full moon day of the Vaisakha month, the day he was born. He understood what life’s true nature was and found the answers he had been seeking.
After attaining enlightenment, he adopted the name Buddha and travelled to many places and taught his practices to other people. People of different religions, castes, and social standings were all among his followers. He taught people for 45 years and at last achieved nirvana on the day of Vesak.
It is, therefore, a very sacred day for all Buddhists as it is the day of the 3 most important events in Buddha’s life. It is a day to remember Buddha and his teachings to the world.
Rituals and Celebrations
On this auspicious day, temples often host the Buddhist flag at dawn and sing hymns in praise of Buddha. Temples and homes are decorated with flowers and lanterns.
It is also customary in many places to visit the temples to offer prayers or even stay overnight in meditation and sing hymns. Incense sticks, flowers, and candles are given to the temples as offerings.
Another popular ritual that is performed is bathing Buddha statues. Water is poured over the statues of Buddha. It is to remember the story of an infant Buddha showered by waters of 9 mythical dragons after his birth. In some places, statues are then covered with gold to symbolize Buddha’s divinity.
Singapore Traditions
Different parts of the world have their own Buddhist traditions. In Singapore, there are two main Buddhist sects, Mahayana (Greater Way) and Theravada (Way of the Elders). The Mahanaya Buddhists are mostly Chinese. The SriLankan and Burmese population of Buddhists are followers of Theravada Buddhism. Both sectors have different rituals.
The Mahayana Buddhists conduct candlelight processions and perform a ritual known as the ‘three-step, one-bow ritual’. The monks take steps on each knee and then bow at the third. It goes on for hours and is supposed to symbolize the hard path towards enlightenment. Prayers for peace are offered during the ritual.
The Theravada traditions on Vesak Day include the preparation of a simple rice and milk dish. It is to remember Buddha accepting it from a woman before starting his meditation towards enlightenment. It is served to the devotees in temples and also prepared in homes.
People believe that good deeds done on this day are rewarded greatly. So, most people do charity work and perform acts of kindness. It is a day of self-reflection and realization for many.
Vesak Day this year
This year, Vesak Day falls on the 26th of May. Due to the ongoing pandemic situation, people are advised not to gather in large groups or even hold processions. It would be best to celebrate this year’s Vesak at home with your family. Spend the whole day with your family members, try to learn more about the teachings of Buddha and share this knowledge with children. Keep in mind that a little bit of caution now can go a long way in keeping you and your family safe.
“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.”
How relevant is this quote of Buddha in the current times?
We wish everyone a safe, blessed and Happy Vesak Day! 🙂
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