Vesak, commemorating the birth, Enlightenment
and death of Buddha, is observed as a public holiday in many Southeast Asian countries.
Specially in countries like India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos,
Thailand.
In Japan and other Mahayana countries, however, the three events of Buddha
are observed on separate days. In some countries the birth date is April 8,
the Enlightenment date is December 8, and the death date is February
15.
Vesak is marked by special devotional services and various compassionate deeds in memory of the Buddha's compassion.
Buddhists show special zeal in performing such acts. Birds are freed from
cages. Fruits and clothes are distributed among the sick and abstinence is
observed on eating meat. These deeds all intend to be meritorious. For, it is believed that the blessings earned for a virtuous act
performed on this special day are many hundred times greater than on other days.
The rituals include
prayers, sermons on the life of Gautam Buddha, continuous recitation of Buddhist scriptures, meditation
by monks and devotees, and the worship of the statue of Buddha. Offerings of incense, flowers, candles and fruit
are made by believers, who prostrate several times in front of the idol.
The Bodhi tree is also revered. Its
branches are decorated with garlands and colored flags. Rows of lamps are lit around
the tree, and milk and scented waters are sprinkled on its roots.
The mortal remains of the Buddha are taken out at the National Museum in Delhi
for public viewing. Many people assemble there to offer prayers.
In India, the land of Buddha, every sect of Buddhism observes some distinctive rituals.
To the Tibetan Buddhists in the Himalayan states it is the day of sa-ga
zla-ba. The celebration of the anniversary of Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and
death. The Mahayana Buddhists in India observe the day according to Tibetan
calendar. All the three events took place on the 15th day of the fourth month of
this calendar. In the monasteries of North East India, which follow the
calendar, the lamas are
engaged in recitations of the scriptures from early morning. They also
observe the day with fasting, and charitable donations. While devotees visit
gompas, light oil lamps in front of the statue of the Buddha.
In some parts the Mahayana
Buddhists organize a colorful procession of monks with gyalings and rabdungs.
Gyalings are small windpipes, while the rabdungs. Texts are also read
from Kangyur, the Tibetan canonical collection of Buddha's teachings. Many seminars and lectures are held in which eminent people participate.
The poor and needy are given food and money.
The Theravada Buddhists offer ceremonial
prayers to the idol of Buddha. They also donate clothes and food to Buddhist monks and the
poor. At night, the Buddha vihar and its adjoining areas are illuminated with candles
and oil lamps.
Despite this apparent diversity in observances of this great holy Day, there
is a unity in the spirit. The spirit that reminds the Buddhists to spread
the message of Tathagata and re-dedicate themselves to his teachings.
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