Wesak

I’m thinking about going to my local temple, to help with the chores there, and feeling strangely guilty at periodic intervals through out the day. Wesak is coming, and I don’t look busy!

‘Wesak?’ you might ask. Though sounding strangely like a course is basket weaving, this is in fact THE festival of the Theravada Buddhist calendar. Taking place on the full moon in Vaishakha, the second month in the Indian calendar which equates to May or early June on the western calendar, it’s a time for contemplation, a reaffirmation of one’s own trek to enlightenment and a homage and time to remember that Buddha’s own journey.

The festival specifically celebrates the Buddha’s Birth, Enlightenment and Death, all of which according to ancient Buddhist tradition, were said to of taken place on the same day the year. The festival takes on two tracks: people buy cards much as they do at Christmas and celebrate with family and friends, when in the evening spending the time in seclusion and meditation. Alongside this people take time to visit their local temple to offer donations to the Sangha (the community of monks and nuns that live at the temple or monastery).

Wesak is all about Enlightenment, be it the Buddha’s journey and attainment or your own journey. Enlightenment is best explained by saying that in life we all walk our own paths and have our own lights we carry with us to see and guide our way though. Dharma (The Buddha’s teachings) is a lamp Buddhists carry with them on their path, and at enlightenment one need to hold a lamp or light for they are their own light on their path with the truths and virtues that enlightenment entails, not and end but a freedom as to take your path out of the circle of birth, death and rebirth along the path to Nirvana (Not the band!).

So I wish you all a happy Wesak and the best of luck and fortune on your own path in this world, regardless of what lights or guiding stars you might use.

Happy Wesak!