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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.
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