|
|
|
  |
| Sunday, 22 May 2005 |
 |
|
 |
Junior Observer |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
The Thrice Blessed Day Vesak, which will be celebrated on May 23 and 24, is known as the Thrice Blessed Day and is considered the most important day in the calendar by Buddhists all over the world. The holiest day in Buddhism and the holiest of all the full moon days, Vesak was declared an international holiday by the United Nations in 2000. So, why do we celebrate Vesak and what is its significance to Buddhists? Vesak Poya is celebrated every full moon day of May as it is on a similar day that the Buddha was born, attained Enlightenment and passed away. In the whole of mankind, no one else's birthday has been regularly and continuously celebrated for over 2,500 years. The Buddha was born as Prince Siddhartha on a Vesak day at Lumbini in Kapilavatthu (modern Nepal). He attained Supreme Enlightenment on this day under the historic Bodhi Tree at Buddha Gaya (Bodh Gaya) in the district of Bihar in Northern India. The Buddha's Great Demise (Parinirvana) happened on another Vesak day at Kusinara. The day is Thrice Blessed as three major events in the Buddha's life happened on this day. The significance of Vesak lies with the Buddha and his universal message of peace to mankind. The wisdom and light that He attained on this day is of great significance to humans as it showed them the way by which mankind could cross, from a world of superstition, hatred and fear, to a new world of light, of true love and happiness. This message is still unaffected by time and the expansion of knowledge, as when it was first brought into the world. Even to non-Buddhists, the Birth and Enlightenment of the Buddha is of great significance considering the unique contribution He made over 2,500 years ago to various branches of modern knowledge. This holiday is known in various parts of the world under different names such as Buddha Purinama and Visakha Puja. Although the name is different, the reason for celebrating is the same. There is evidence that the event was commemorated in ancient India too. It is believed that Vesak celebrations started in Sri Lanka after the advent of Buddhism in the island. The first celebrations mentioned in the Mahavansa relate to the era of King Dutugemunu (161-137BC). It is stated that the king conducted 24 Vesak celebrations; as Dutugemunu reigned for 24 years, it is assumed that celebrations were held every year without a break. King Bhathiya (38-67AD) organised 28 festivals while King Vasabha (67-111AD) organised 24. It is said that King Sena II (851-885AD) also donated food and clothing among the citizens on this day. In Sri Lanka, on a Vesak Poya day, Buddhist temples are filled with white-clad devotees, both children and adults, observing sil. Even those who don't observe sil visit temples, offer flowers and worship the Buddha. The religious activities which start in the morning continue till the evening. In the night, which is especially awaited by the children, the world comes alive with lights and colour as a result of the thousands of Vesak lanterns and pandals lit along the streets. Houses are adorned with Buddhist flags, beautiful lanterns, decorative 'buckets', clay lamps and strings of coloured bulbs. Children get ready for this day months ahead, preparing and decorating the lanterns with the adults' help. People throng the streets in the night to see the beautiful decorations, and special dansalas are set up around the country to provide refreshments to the crowds. Groups, usually children, chanting bhakthi gee, is another feature of Vesak. Sending Vesak cards to friends and loved ones is another activity which is faithfully carried out, especially by children. |
|
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Politics | Produced by Lake House |
