“May all that have life be delivered from suffering.” - Buddha
Today is Wesak (or Vesak), also known as Buddha Day, which celebrates the Buddha’s birthday, enlightenment and death. It is the most important day in the Buddhist calendar. During Wesak, Buddhists celebrate the life of the Buddha and his teachings. They remember the night of his enlightenment and his insights into his previous lives, as well as his revelations about the nature of death, karma and rebirth, suffering and desire.
Wesak is celebrated with great joy and vivid colours. Homes are cleaned and decorated in preparation. Celebrations begin before dawn, when devotees throng the temples early in the morning to meditate and take the Five Precepts. Sutras are chanted by monks. Celebrations vary from one country to another. ‘The Bathing of the Buddha’ often takes place. Water is poured over the shoulders of statues of the Buddha as a reminder of the need to purify the heart and mind. Offerings are made to the monks and the temples, and may be laid on the altar as a sign of respect for the Buddha and his teachings.
In China, traditional elements from Chinese culture, such as dancing dragons, are incorporated into celebrations. In Indonesia, Wesak lanterns are made from paper and wood. Another popular custom in some countries is the release of caged birds, symbolising letting go of troubles and wishing that all beings be well and happy. Buddhists in some parts of the world make origami paper cranes which are used as decorations or sometimes floated down rivers to symbolise the same thing.
Many Buddhist temples serve vegetarian food (as many Buddhists avoid eating meat). Special lectures on the teachings of the Buddha are given, and candle lit processions take place through the streets. Observers are made welcome, both in processions and at temples. Giving to others is an important part of Buddhist tradition. Gifts may be exchanged as part of the festivities on Wesak. There is also emphasis on giving to the needy. Devotees may visit orphanages, welfare homes, homes for the aged or charitable institutions, distributing cash donations and gifts. Some youth groups organise mass blood donation to hospitals. Donations are also made to monks and nuns.
The Five Moral Precepts of Buddhism are especially important to remember and practice during Wesak, and these are refraining from:
- Harming living things
- Taking what is not given
- Sexual misconduct
- Lying or gossip
- Taking intoxicating substances e.g. drugs or drink
Samaneras (novice Buddhist monks) live by ten precepts, while Buddhist monks actually keep 227 rules of the order. The Ten Precepts are the five precepts plus refraining from the following:
- Taking substantial food after midday (from noon to dawn)
- Dancing, singing and music
- Use of garlands, perfumes and personal adornment like jewellery
- Use of luxurious beds and seats
- Accepting and holding money, gold or silver
Therefore on celebration days, Buddhists will often eat vegetarian food and will not drink alcohol. Gifts will be simple, especially those given to monks. Monks in particular will not dress up, and people will not eat to excess. However, Buddhist celebrations are also very joyful, colourful occasions. Wesak is celebrated on different days each year, because the lunar calendar is used to define when dates of festivals should take place. Dates when there is a full moon are used often.
Happy Wesak!
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