Wesak Day

Wesak Day

Categories: Culture, Heritage
by Manjeet Dhillon
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Categories: Culture, Heritage

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sarongtrails

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Reflection and Renewal

Wesak, also known as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti, is a significant day for Buddhists worldwide. Observed on the first full moon day of May (June if it is a leap year) according to the lunar calendar, it commemorates three pivotal events in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism:

  • His Birth: Wesak marks the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, who is believed to have been born a prince in Lumbini, Nepal, around the 6th century BCE.
  • His Enlightenment: At the age of 35, Siddhartha is said to have attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, becoming the Buddha (“Awakened One”).
  • His Parinirvana: Eighty years after his birth, the Buddha entered Parinirvana (final liberation from rebirth) in Kushinagar, India

In East Asian Buddhist schools, there are usually separate holidays, called Bodhi Day and Parinirvana Day, respectively.

While the specific details surrounding these events vary between Buddhist traditions (Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana), their significance remains central to the faith.

Oil paintings on the walls near the Bamiyan Buddhas in the Bamiyan region of Afghanistan (7th century)

Celebrating Wesak

On Wesak, Buddhists participate in various activities to commemorate these events and reflect on the Buddha’s teachings. These practices can range from simple meditation and prayer to elaborate processions and temple ceremonies. Some common observances include:

  • Offering: Devotees may offer flowers, incense, and candles at temples to show respect and gratitude.
  • Meditation: Wesak is a time for increased focus on meditation, allowing Buddhists to deepen their understanding of the Buddha’s path.
  • Chanting: Chanting scriptures and teachings of the Buddha is a way to connect with his wisdom and guidance.
  • Acts of Kindness: Wesak is also a time to practice compassion and generosity. Buddhists may engage in charity work or volunteer their time to help others.

During Wesak Day, many Buddhists participate in a special tradition called the “bathing of the Buddha.” It’s not an actual bath, but a symbolic way to show respect and celebrate the birth of the Buddha.

Here’s a breakdown of the ritual in simple terms:

The Statue: A statue of the Buddha (his right forefinger pointed upwards and left forefinger directed downwards) usually depicting him as a young man, is placed in a special area.

The Water: Buddhists use clean water, sometimes scented with flowers, to gently pour over the Buddha statue.

The Meaning: This isn’t about cleaning the statue, but about washing away negativity and symbolic cleansing. It also represents the rain that showered Buddha upon his birth according to Buddhist beliefs.

Flowers: Often, people offer flowers to the Buddha statue after pouring water. This symbolises respect and new beginnings.

This simple ritual is a beautiful way for Buddhists to celebrate Wesak Day and connect with the Buddha’s message of peace and enlightenment.

While the specific practices may vary by region, Wesak is a unifying force for Buddhists worldwide. It’s a day to remember the Buddha’s legacy and recommit oneself to his teachings of compassion, wisdom, and mindfulness.

Besides Wesak Day, here are some other key festivals / observations among the Buddhist community:

  • Uposatha Days: These are lunar observance days held four times a month on the full moon, new moon, and quarter moon days (the eighth and fifteenth days after each). While not specifically focused on the Buddha himself, they are significant days for Buddhists to practice mindfulness and observe moral precepts. Some traditions may hold special ceremonies or meditations on these days.

  • Magha Puja (Sangha Day): This festival falls on the full moon of the third lunar month (March). It commemorates a gathering of 1,250 enlightened disciples who came to see the Buddha without being summoned. They assembled in the Veruvana Monastery with the two chief disciples of the Buddha, Ven. Sariputta and Ven. Moggalana. The day is dedicated to teachings on harmony within the monastic community.

  • Asalha Puja (Dharma Day): Celebrated on the full moon of the eighth lunar month (usually July), this day commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon after attaining enlightenment known as the turning of the wheel of the Dhamma (Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta) to the five ascetics at the Deer Park (Sarnath) near Benares city, India and where Kondanna, the senior ascetic attained the first level of enlightenment (the Sotapanna level of mind purity). This day also marks the beginning of the three-month rainy season retreat (vassa) for monks and nuns.

  • Pavarana Day: This falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month (usually September or October). It marks the end of the vassa retreat and is a day for reconciliation and forgiveness within the monastic community.

It’s important to note that these dates may vary slightly depending on the specific Buddhist tradition and the lunar calendar used.

Further Exploration

Wesak Day is a beautiful opportunity to experience Buddhist culture firsthand. Many Buddhist temples across Malaysia hold special ceremonies and celebrations on this day. If you’re fortunate enough to visit a temple during Wesak, remember to be mindful of your presence.

Dress modestly and respectfully. If taking photos, ensure you are not capturing individuals engaged in prayer or meditation without their permission. By being a respectful and mindful visitor, you can contribute to the peaceful and reflective nature of this sacred day.