Vesak in Korea

Korea, like Mongolia, Japan and China, belong to the Mahayana school of Buddhism, while we in South and South East Asia, are Hinayana or Theravada Buddhists. Whether Hinayana or Mahayana, all Buddhists celebrate Vesak. This is an extract of an account titled 'The Buddha's birthday celebrations in Korea', written by Jeffrey Miller, a Korea Times columnist.

"Almost anywhere you go in Korea these days, you are likely to see brightly coloured lanterns festooning streets, and neighbourhoods and other areas where a Buddhist temple is located, in anticipation of Buddha's birthday.

"Of all the holidays and celebrations in Korea, none are perhaps more colourful and festive than Buddha's birthday.

"It is really beautiful to see all those colourful lanterns hanging everywhere around the city especially in and around Chogye-Sa temple or Bongeun-sa temple. Even on some of the lesser travelled paths around the city, the neighbourhoods are colourfully decorated with lanterns.

"An annual lantern parade is held prior to the holiday, starting from the temple in Chogno. A river of lanterns moves through the city. Foreign residents and visitors also participate in the parade or in the making of lanterns."

In recent years, the celebration has taken on a more international feel in Seoul with a variety of cultural events held around the holiday including music and dance exhibitions as well as a food fiesta. Pouring water over the head of a Buddha statue is part of the celebrations on Buddha's birthday.

This is an excerpt from the article in the 'Daily News' of May 18, 2005.

Sumana Saparamadu

Sri Pada

Pilgrim season ends

The Sri Pada pilgrim season which commenced six months ago, on Unduvap Full Moon Day, ended on Vesak day with the setting of the Vesak moon.

The image of God Saman, the guardian God of Sri Pada (Adam's Peak) and other objects of veneration, which were ceremonially taken to the shrine on the peak on Unduvap Full Moon Day, were brought down, with the same veneration that they were taken up to the Sri Pada Centre in Nallatanni.

From there they were taken in a motorcade to Sri Pada Raja Maha Vihara in Galpoththawela Pelmadulla. Many Buddhists from Maskeliya Nallathani, and from the Ambagamuwa Korala joined the motorcade. The statue of God Saman and the objects of veneration will be kept here until the next pilgrim season starts on Unduvap Full Moon Day, December 23.