Vesak in Sri Lanka

"Vesak" is the most religious festival observed by Buddhists, specially the Theravada Buddhists worldwide.

As over 70% of Sri Lankans practise Theravada Buddhism, Vesak is the biggest Buddhist Festival in Sri Lanka.

"If there is any religion that could cope with modern scientific needs, it would be Buddhism" ~ Albert Einstein

The exact Vesak day varies according to the lunar calendar. The word Vesak derived from "Vesakha" in Pali or "Vaisakha" in Sanskrit, means the first full moon day of the 5th lunar month, namely the month May.

The significance of Vesak Full-Moon day is to celebrate the birth of Prince Siddhartha, the clan name of the Gautama Buddha Shakyamuni in Lumbini, more than 2500 years ago, his Enlightenment (Nirvana) under the Bodhi Tree at Buddha Gaya at his 35 years and his passing away (Parinirvana) at the age of 80, in Kusinagara in India.

Similar to all full moon days, the monks and nuns meditate and chant hymns in praise of the Holy Triple Gem; The Buddha, The Dharma (his teachings) and The Sangha (his disciples). Also, they recite "Sutras", records of the oral teachings of Buddha, to invoke blessings and happiness to all beings.

Devotees bring offerings of flowers, candles and incense-sticks to lie at the feet of Buddha.

These symbolic offerings, called "Puja" are to remind devotees that just as the beautiful flowers would wither away after a short while, the candles and incense-sticks would soon burn out, so too is life subject to change, decay and destruction.

In Sri Lanka, all Buddhists endeavour to lead a noble life according to the "Dharma" by making daily affirmations to observe the Five Precepts.

However, on a special day like Vesak, they gather to temples dressed in simple white before dawn, where they observe "Sil", the Eight Precepts and spend whole day there.

Devotees take vegetarian meals for breakfast and lunch. During rest of the day they take only liquid foods such as tea, fruit juices and infusions till next morning. They spend whole night reading the teachings of Buddha and meditating.

The Vesak full moon day and the day after are set aside as public holidays in Sri Lanka.

All liquor shops and slaughter houses are closed during these holidays. Some followers release birds and animals, what is known as a 'symbolic act of liberation' to those who are in captivity.

In Sri Lanka, all other celebrations like "Perahera", "Bhakti Gee", "Dansala" and "Pandals" are taking place in the evening. Buddhist houses would be decorated with plenty of colorful lights, beautiful lanterns and they hoist the Buddhist flag.

All streets and roads would be decorated in the same way. People throng the streets in the evening to wonder these decorations and dazzling Pandals. These celebrations last normally for one week, or in some cases longer.

Vesak is celebrated in many different ways all over the world. Buddhism was assimilated into many different cultures as it was spreading out of India.

According to the Mahayana traditions, this festival is known by it's Sanskrit name. Mahayana Buddhists observe these 3 events at three different times of the year. However, most of the time the Mahayana celebration of the Buddha's Birthday coincides with Vesak.

Buddha's Birthday is observed every year on April 8, according to the Gregorian calendar in Japan.

The Tibetan Buddhist equivalent of Vesak usually falls a month later. On these same full moon day of June, Sri Lanka celebrates "Poson", another Buddhist festival to celebrate the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka.

In 1999, the United Nations has approved a resolution to observe the Vesak day internationally at it's headquarters and offices.

The teachings of the Buddha is open to all to see and judge for themselves.

No matter to what lengths, increased scientific knowledge can extend man's mental horizon, there is room for the acceptance and assimilation for further discovery within the teachings of the Buddha.

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