WESAK DAY

Commemoration of Buddha

The quest for the true nature of Life and an end to human sufferings drove Prince Siddharta Gautama to leave behind his wife, child and worldly inheritance to seek the Truth. Today, 2,500 years after, the teachings of this noble man is observed by millions around the world. After obtaining Nirvana, he became knowns as the Buddha.

Today, the birth, enlightenment and the passing away of this great man is commomerated by Buddhists all around the world on the Fifteenth Day of the 4th Lunar month. Known as Wesak Day, the grand occasion falls on [see calendar] this year.

The celebration begins on the eve of the day itself with meditation and chanting sessions. Early, the following morning, a Buddhist flag-raising ceremony is conducted. As the rays of the morning sun warms the dew-moistened ground, Buddhist devotees light candles and offer incense and flowers to Lord Buddha as saffron-robed monks chant "sutras" in meditation halls and conduct blessings sessions. An air of serenity and calm permeates the atmosphere as crowds of devotees wait in turn to offer incense and light candles at the altar. Old and young, ugly and beautiful, poor and rich; - they all come to remember the deeds of the Buddha and reinforce their beliefs in performing meritorious deeds as taught by Lord Buddha.

On Wesak Day, Buddhists are encouraged to observe the Eight Precepts which are: abstaining from taking lives; drinking alcohol; adorning oneself; committing adultery; lying; stealing; idling and from solid foods after mid-day. Many devotees usually observe a strictly vegetarian diet on this day.

Various programmes are planned for the day which includes meditation and chanting sessions, blessing services, religious classes and even blood donation drives in some temples. Stalls are also set up within temple premises selling fresh flowers, vegetarian food, candles and incense, as well as books and cassetes on Buddhism. Buddhists can also be seen lining up to receive blessings from the monk who sprinkle holy water upon them and give each a saffron thread to tie around the wrists. The thread signifies the chain of ignorance and greed that binds all men resulting in many of their sufferings. The thread is usually worn until it breaks, which in turn signifies the release from the chain of ignorance and greed.

In the past, the practice of releasing caged birds especially pigeons during Wesak day was prevalent. This was said to signify the release of human souls from earthly sufferings. However, the practice has ceased today because the very act of caging birds is considered cruel as the the creatures have to endure much sufferings before their release. This also discourages unscrupulous opportunists who catch the birds, caging them and later selling them on Wesak Day for hugh profits.

The offerings of flowers signify the transience of life and the inevitability of death, and encourages everyone to do good. The lighting of the candle represents enlightenment from ignorance.

The unfortunate is not forgotten on Wesak Day and those who are able to lend a hand to brighten up the day of the poor, aged and disable are blessed. Donations in cash and kind are given to help them.

The celebration usually culminates in the evening with a round-the-town candle light procession. During this event, Buddhists from various youth groups, clubs and associations join hands to make beautiful floats usually housing a statue of the Buddha.