Significance of Vesak
Day
Adapted from
the book "Be a Lamp Upon Yourself"
Vesak Day, which falls on the full moon day of the fifth month of
the year, is the most important event for the Buddhist community.
It commemorates the Birth, Enlightenment and Final Nirvana of the
Buddha.
For some Buddhists, the observance of Vesak begins early in the
morning when they assemble at temples to observe the Eight
Precepts. Others may join the communal observance by going through
the ceremony of taking the Threefold Refuge (expression through
faith and commitment to the Buddha, His teaching and the Holy
Community), observing the Five Precepts, making offerings at
shrines and by chanting and recitation. They may also participate
in processions and circumambulation, and listening to sermons of
the Buddha's Teaching.
In some temples, Buddhists take part in the ceremonial bathing of
the statue of baby Prince Siddhartha (before he became the Buddha)
A small standing statue of the prince is placed in a basin of
perfumed water strewn with flowers. The Buddhists scoop the
perfumed water with a ladle and pour it over the statue. This act
of bathing symbolises the purification of one's unwholesome
actions.
Many Buddhists also take vegetarian meals on this day as they
recall the teaching of universal compassion. The temples are often
colourfully decorated with Buddhist flags and lights. The shrines
are also filled with flowers, fruits and other offerings.
Significance of Buddhist Observations
Buddhism in practice is more than just learning about the life of
Buddha and His Teachings. It includes many observances, some of
which are common to all Buddhists while others are characteristics
of a particular culture or country. The significance of some common
observances is as follows:
Buddhist Shrines and Images
The Buddha image in the centre of shrine represents and reminds us
of the Buddha and the ideal of Buddhahood with its perfect
qualities of Wisdom and compassion. It serves to inspire us when we
see it as we recall the greatness of the Buddha and His
Teaching.
Folded Palms
Placing the palms together and raising them to the level of the
chest is a traditional gesture to express deep reverence to the
triple Gem -the Buddha, His Teaching and the Sangha (followers of
his Teaching).
Bowing
Prostrating before an image of the Buddha or members of the Sangha
is an expression of deep veneration. It also acknowledges that the
Buddha has attained the perfect and supreme Enlightenment. Such an
act helps the Buddhist to overcome egoistic feelings to become more
ready to listen to the Teaching of the Buddha.
Offerings Making the following shrine
Offerings expresses appreciation and veneration to the Triple
Gem:
Light symbolises the brightness of wisdom attained on the path
towards Enlightenment which drives away the darkness of
ignorance.
Fresh and beautiful flowers which soon becomes withered, scentless
and discoloured serves as a reminder of the impermanence of all
things.
Fragrant incense which fills the air symbolises the purifying
effect of wholesome conduct.
Water symbolises purity, clarity and calmness.
Fruit symbolises the ultimate fruit of Enlightenment which is the
goal of Buddhists.
Chanting and recitation
Verses may be recited in praise of the Triple Gem. Sermons of the
Buddha can also be recited. Short phrases or syllables (mantras)
that symbolises certain teachings or qualities of the Buddha may
also be chanted. Chanting and recitation, like meditation, also
helps one to concentrate and develop a calm and peaceful state of
mind.
The 3 step 1 Bow Ceremony
On this occasion, devotees line up in a procession before sunrise
to meditatively circumambulate around the perimeter of the temple-
bowing once every three steps while chanting " Homage to the
Original Teacher (Founder of Buddhism) Shakyamuni Buddha (Na Mo Ben
Shi Shi Jia Mou Ni Fo).
Prostration
Upon every prostration, the Buddha can be visualized standing upon
one's open palm which symbolise lotuses (that denote purity). Every
prostration is thus paying respects to the Buddha or the countless
Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of every direction. This practice helps to
purify the mind, humble the ego, and lessen obstacles along the
spiritual path as one repents past misdeeds of body, speech and
mind and aspires towards spiritual improvement. It is also an
occasion to express gratitude to the Buddha for His
compassion.
Concentration and calmness achieved as one become constantly
mindful of the processes of the body, speech and mind during the
practice. Unanswered spiritual questions are sometimes answered as
one enters deep concentration and realises the roots of the
problems.
Perseverance
As the ceremony is lengthy and over undulating land, it reminds one
of the long and difficult journeys towards Enlightenment. But it
also serves to remind us that as long as one has determination, all
difficulties can be overcome. Persistence in completing the journey
despite its difficulties also strengthens one's faith in the Buddha
and His Teaching to lead us towards Enlightenment.
Wisdom
The break of dawn at the end of the ceremony represents the light
of wisdom dispelling the darkness of ignorance as one advances on
the spiritual path towards Enlightenment. Participating in this
special event, among others, on Vesak Day is considered very
meritorious. It is extremely difficult to describe the spiritual
joy one feels upon completion of the ceremony and is definitely
something one has to experience for oneself.
The night of infinite light
This practice has similar significance to the 3-step-1-bow
Ceremony. Instead of prostration, devotees each hold a lotus-shaped
candle to their chest level as they pave around the perimeter of
the temple in walking meditation while chanting " Na Mo Ben Shi Shi
Jia Mou Ni Fo."
Wisdom
The "light passing" ceremony is symbolic of the passing of the
light of wisdom to every direction of the world to dispel the
darkness of ignorance. It also refers to the offering and sharing
of the Truth with others. On a personal level, it has the
significance of lighting up one's inner lamp of wisdom. The passing
on of the light indefinitely to countless others without one's own
flame dying out illustrates the fact that wisdom can be shared
indefinitely without any loss on one's part, i.e. only goodness can
come from such an act.
Impermanence
The burning of the wick and the melting of the candle also serves
to remind us of the impermanence and transience of all conditioned
things - which include our own bodies and lives. Reflecting so
helps us to treasure every moment alive without attachment. The
candles also symbolise Bodhisattvas who sacrifice themselves to
light up the lives of suffering sentient beings.
Mindfulness
As the procession goes on, mindfulness has to be practised to not
let the flame be extinguished. This is symbolic of the importance
of constantly guarding one's mind against any negative factors
detrimental to the spiritual life. It is most inspiring and moving
to see a single flame light up to a sea of darkness into countless
lamps which bring further brightness to each other.
