Honoring the Buddha
Vesak is the birth, enlightenment and final Pari-Nibbana of the Buddha. All these three important days took place on the full moon day of the fourth month of the lunar calendar. So every year, Vesak day falls between April and May on the Gregorian calendar.
It is said that Sakyamuni, during his previous life as ascetic Sumeda, received confirmation of attaining Buddhahood from Buddha Dipamkara, also on a full moon day.
Sakyamuni Buddha displayed His psychic powers through the performance of Yamaka Maha Patihariya (The Miracle of the Twin Wonders) on a Vesak day, to convinve numerous doubters.
How We Observed a Holy Day
On Vesak day, Buddhists gather in the temples to worship the Buddha and also to give alms to the monks. The monks will chant the Suttas and also carry out religious talks for the devotees. Bathing the image of the Buddha is also done at the temples. This act is to satisfy the religious needs of the devotees. The Buddha does not want or need anything. Buddhists then also visit orphanages, welfare homes, homes for the aged and charitable institutions to distribute cash donations and gifts to the needy.
Advice
- Leave all your valuables at home so that you can concentrate on chanting in the Vihara.
