Vesak (Wesak) Day

Vesak (Wesak) called “Buddha’s Birthday” (佛誕), is actually encompasses the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Gautama Buddha. It is traditionally observed by all Buddhists in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Burma.

On Wesak day, devout Buddhists will assemble in their various temples before dawn for the ceremonial, and honourable, hoisting of the Buddhist flag and singing of hymns in praise of the holy triple gem : The Buddha, The Dharma (his teachings), and The Sangha (his disciples). Devotees may bring simple offerings of flowers, candles and joss-sticks to lie at the feet of their teacher. These symbolic offerings are to remind followers that just as the beautiful flowers would wither away after a short while and the candles and joss-sticks would soon burn out, so too is life subject to decay and destruction. Devotees are enjoined to make a special effort to refrain from killing of any kind. They are encouraged to partake of vegetarian food for the day. Some devout Buddhists will wear a simple white dress and spend the whole day in temples with renewed determination to observe the eight Precepts. Devotees are expected to listen to talks given by monks. On this day monks will recite verses uttered by the Buddha twenty-five centuries ago, to invoke peace and happiness for the Government and the people. Buddhists are reminded to live in harmony with people of other faiths and to respect the beliefs of other people as the Buddha had taught.

In Malaysia, devotees will gather at the Buddhist temples to meditate on the Eight Precepts. Donations, giving food to the needy, offerings of incense, joss sticks and prayers are carried out. The sutras are chanted in unison by monks in saffron robes. The celebration is highlighted by a candle procession.

Well, Happy Vesak (Wesak) Day to all Buddhists around the world.