Wesak

Wesak is the Therevadin festival that takes place on the Full moon of the month of Vesakha (May), to celebrate the Birth Enlightenment, and death of the Buddha.

Light is an important symbol of Wesak – some Buddhists think of the Buddha and his teachings as a light that illuminates the darkness of Samsara – and of course there is the idea of enlightenment!

Lights are offered to images of the Buddha, as a symbol of the enlightenment that he achieved, and to which every Buddhist aspires.

In many Therevadin Countries, people celebrate by lighting special lanterns, and hanging them from their houses, or taking them on parades.

Special, floodlit processions take place.

This float commemorates the Buddha’s Enlightenment.

Some Viharas are brightly illuminated Buddhists may circumambulate them carrying lanterns – to symbolise their desire to be enlightened, and to keep the Buddha at the centre of their lives.

Some Buddhists perform a simple ritual of washing a “Baby Rupa”, to symbolise welcoming the Buddha after his birth.

Wesak is a time when the laity make a special effort to give donations to the bhikkus.

As well as the normal offerings of food, it is traditional to give special candles, as symbols of the Buddha’s enlightenment.

Lay buddhists also express their determination by taking on the extra five precepts that are usually only taken by Bikkhus for the duration of Wesak!

Wesak is seen as an important day to study the dharma – so people will read texts, attend lectures, and visit their local temple.

Some Buddhists mark Wesak by taking part in merit- making activities demonstrating compassion to all beings.

The three month rainy season retreat.

The Buddha preached his first sermon to five ascetics in the deer park at Varanasi. This is commemorated on Dhamma Day – when bikkhus chant the Dhamma Cakka Sutta – the text of the first sermon. This marks the beginning of Vassa – the three month long rainy season retreat.

The first viharas were established in the Buddha’s time for the bikkhus to rest in during the monsoon rains. It was seen as an opportunity to reflect, study and meditate intensively. This is still the case, and Vassa is an important time for bikkhus.

The end of Vassa is marked by Pavarana day, when the bikkhus reflect on their behaviour during the rains retreat. This is an opportunity to get strained relationships out in the open! “Venerable ones, I invite reprimand from the Sangha. According to what has been seen, heard or suspected of my actions, may the Venerable ones correct me out of their compassion. Recognising it is my fault, I shall make amends”

During Vassa the Bikkhus and the Laity have had little to do with one another. The end of Vassa is marked by a festival of Unity called Kathina. The Bikkhus are congratulated on their retreat, as it is believed that they have created merit for the whole community. Lay believers give the Bikkhus new robes, and other essentials for the Vihara.

Giving robes to the Sangha is a great source of Merit for the donors.

Uposatha days. Uposatha days happen on the full and new moons. The Bikkhus gather together to chant the 227 Patimokkha rules of the Sangha. This is seen as an opportunity for Bikkhus to recommit themselves to their lifestyle, and to clarify the mind.