HAPPY VESAKHA
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| Happy budha Purnima
Vesākha (Pali; Sanskrit: Vaiśākha, Sinhala: වෙසක් පෝය,
Devanagari: वैशाख), Wesak orVesak is a holy day observed traditionally
by Buddhists in
Sri Lanka, Tibet, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and the South East Asian countries of Singapore, Vietnam,
Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Indonesia.[1] Sometimes
informally called "Buddha's
Birthday", it actually commemorates the birth, enlightenment (nirvāna), and death (Parinirvāna) of Gautama Buddha.[2]
The
exact date of Vesākha varies according to the various lunar calendars used in
different traditions. In Theravada countries following the Buddhist calendar, it
falls on a full moon Uposatha day, typically in the 5th or 6th lunar month.
Vesākha Day in China and Korea is on the eighth of the fourth month in the Chinese
lunar calendar. The date varies from year to year in the Western Gregorian calendar,
but usually falls in April or May. In leap years Vesākha is celebrated in June.
The name of the
observance is derived from the Pali term vesākha or Sanskrit vaiśākha, which is the name of the lunar month falling in
April–May (see Vaisakha).[3] In Mahayana Buddhist
traditions, the holiday is known by its Sanskrit name and derived variants of
it. Local renditions of the name vary by language
The decision to agree to celebrate Vesākha as the Buddha’s
birthday was formalized at the first conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists held in Sri Lanka in 1950, although festivals at
this time in the Buddhist world are a centuries-old tradition. The resolution
that was adopted at the World Conference reads as follows:[citation needed]
On Vesākha Day, Buddhists all over the world commemorate events of
significance to Buddhists of all traditions: The birth, enlightenment and the
passing away of Gautama Buddha. As
Buddhism spread from India it was assimilated into many foreign cultures, and
consequently Vesākha is celebrated in many different ways all over the world.
In 1999, the United Nations resolved to internationally observe
the day of Vesak at its headquarters and offices.[4]
May 2007 had two full moon days, the 1st and the 31st. Some
countries (including Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Malaysia) celebrated Vesākha on
the 1st, while others (Thailand, Singapore) celebrated the holiday on the 31st
due to different local lunar observance. This difference also manifests in the
observance of other Buddhist holidays, which are traditionally observed at the
local full moon.
Likewise, in 2012, Vesak or the birth anniversary of the Buddha
was observed on 28 April in Hong Kong and Taiwan, on 5 May in Sri Lanka, on 6
May in India, on 28 May in South Korea and on 4 June in Thailand. (In 1999 the
Taiwanese government set Buddha's birthday as the second Sunday of May, the
same date as Mother's Day.[5][6])
On Vesākha day, devout Buddhists and followers alike are expected
and requested to assemble in their various temples before dawn for the
ceremonial, and honorable, hoisting of the Buddhist
flag and the singing of hymns
in praise of the holy triple gem: The Buddha,
TheDharma (his teachings), and The Sangha (his disciples). Devotees may bring simple
offerings of flowers, candles and joss-sticks to lay at the feet of their
teacher. These symbolic offerings are to remind followers that just as the
beautiful flowers would wither away after a short while and the candles and
joss-sticks would soon burn out, so too is life subject to decay and
destruction. Devotees are enjoined to make a special effort to refrain from
killing of any kind. They are encouraged to partake of vegetarian food for the
day. In some countries, notably Sri Lanka, two days are set aside for the
celebration of Vesākha and all liquor shops and slaughter houses are closed by
government decree during the two days. Also birds, insects and animals are
released by the thousands in what is known as a 'symbolic act of liberation';
of giving freedom to those who are in captivity, imprisoned, or tortured
against their will. Some devout Buddhists will wear a simple white dress and
spend the whole day in temples with renewed determination to observe the eight
Precepts.
Devout Buddhists undertake to
lead a noble life according to the teaching by making daily affirmations to
observe the Five Precepts. However,
on special days, notably new moon and full moon days, they observe the eight
Precepts to train themselves to practice morality, simplicity and humility.
Some
temples also display a small image of the baby Buddha in front of the altar in
a small basin filled with water and decorated with flowers, allowing devotees
to pour water over the statue; it is symbolic of the cleansing of a
practitioner's bad karma, and to reenact the events following the Buddha's
birth, when devas and spirits made heavenly offerings to him.
Devotees
are expected to listen to talks given by monks. On this day monks will recite
verses uttered by the Buddha twenty-five centuries ago, to invoke peace and
happiness for the government and the people. Buddhists are reminded to live in
harmony with people of other faiths and to respect the beliefs of other people
as the Buddha taught.
Bringing
happiness to others [edit]
Celebrating
Vesākha also means making special efforts to bring happiness to the unfortunate
like the aged, the handicapped and the sick. To this day, Buddhists will
distribute gifts in cash and kind to various charitable homes throughout the
country. Vesākha is also a time for great joy and happiness, expressed not by
pandering to one’s appetites but by concentrating on useful activities such as
decorating and illuminating temples, painting and creating exquisite scenes
from the life of the Buddha for public dissemination. Devout Buddhists also vie
with one another to provide refreshments and vegetarian food to followers who
visit the temple to pay homage to the Enlightened One.
Paying
homage to the Buddha [edit]
Tradition
ascribes to the Buddha himself instruction on how to pay him homage. Just
before he died, he saw his faithful attendantAnanda, weeping. The Buddha advised him not to
weep, but to understand the universal law that all compounded
things (including even
his own body) must disintegrate. He advised everyone not to cry over the
disintegration of the physical body but to regard his teachings (The Dhamma) as
their teacher from then on, because only the Dhamma truth is eternal and not
subject to the law of change. He also stressed that the way to pay homage to
him was not merely by offering flowers, incense, and lights, but by truly and
sincerely striving to follow his teachings. This is how Buddhists are expected
to celebrate Vesak: to use the opportunity to reiterate their determination to
lead noble lives, to develop their minds, to practise loving-kindness and to
bring peace and harmony to humanity.
In Japan [edit]
In
Japan, Vesākha or hanamatsuri (花祭) is also
known as: Kanbutsu-e (灌仏会), Goutan-e(降誕会), Busshou-e (仏生会), Yokubutsu-e (浴仏会), Ryuge-e (龍華会), Hana-eshiki (花会式). It is
not a public holiday. It is based on a legend that a dragon appeared in the sky
on the Buddha's birthday and poured soma over
him.
It
used to be celebrated on the 8th day of the fourth month in the Chinese
Lunar Calendar, based on one of the legends that proclaims the day
as Buddha's birthday. At present, the celebration is observed on 8 April of the
Solar Calendar since the Meiji government adopted the western solar calendar as
the official calendar. Since the 8th day of the fourth month in the lunar
calendar commonly falls in May of the current solar calendar, it is now
celebrated about a month earlier.
In
Japan, Shinbutsu shugo is common so Buddhist temples celebrate
Buddha's birthday by pouring ama
cha, a sweet tea made ofHydrangea on statues. In Buddhist temples,
monasteries and nunneries, more involved ceremonies are conducted for
practising Buddhists, priests, monks and nuns.
Vesak In Nepal [edit]
Vesak,
commonly known in Nepal as "Buddha Jayanti" is widely celebrated all
across the country, predominantly, Lumbini –
the birthplace of Buddha, and Swayambhu – the holy temple for Buddhists, also
known as "the Monkey Temple". The main door ofSwayambhu is opened only on this very day,
therefore, people from all over Kathmandu valley are stimulated by the event.
Thousands of pilgrims from various parts of the world come together to
celebrate Buddha's birthday at his birthplace, Lumbini. In Nepal, Buddha is worshipped by all
religious groups, therefore "Buddha Jayanti" is marked by a public
holiday. People donate foods and clothes to the needy and also provide
financial aid to monasteries and schools where Buddhism is taught and
practised.
Vesak in
Sri Lanka [edit]
Vesak
is celebrated as a religious and a cultural festival in Sri Lanka on the full
moon of the lunar month of Vesak (usually in the Gregorian month of May), for
about one week. During this week, the selling of alcohol and fresh meat is
usually prohibited, with abattoirs also being closed.[8] Celebrations
include religious and alms-giving activities. Electrically lit pandols called toranas are erected in locations mainly in
Colombo, Kandy, Galle and elsewhere, most sponsored by donors, religious
societies and welfare groups. Each pandol illustrates a story from the 550 Jataka Katha
or the 550 Past Life Stories of the Buddha. In addition, colourful lanterns
called Vesak koodu are hung along streets and in front of
homes. They signify the light of the Buddha, Dharma and the Sangha. Food stalls
set up by Buddhist devotees called dansälas provide free food and drinks to
passersby. Groups of people from community organisations, businesses and
government departments sing bhakti
gee (Buddhist devotional
songs). Colombo experiences a massive influx of people from all parts of the
country during this week.
In Vietnam [edit]
Main
article: Hue
Phat Dan shootings
Vesak
Day is recognized as an official holiday in south Vietnam, started in 1958 by
the government of Ngo Dinh Diem, Republic
of Vietnam, and is canceled by unified Vietnam after the end of Vietnam War[9]
In
1963, the South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem, a
Catholic, and the younger brother of Archbishop Ngo Dinh Thuc banned the flying of the Buddhist flag. This led
to a demonstration and flag-waving in defiance of the ban. Diem's forces opened
fire on the Buddhist crowd, killing nine, sparking the Buddhist crisis, a
period of civil disobedience against religious discrimination.
Wesak In
Malaysia [edit]
Celebrated
by Buddhists to mark three momentous events in Buddha's life – his birth,
enlightenment, and his departure from the human world, the Wesak celebration in
Malaysia begins at dawn when devotees gather at Buddhist temples nationwide to
meditate on theEight Precepts.
Donations - giving food to the needy and offerings of incense and joss sticks -
and prayers are carried out. The sutras are chanted in unison by monks in saffron
robes. The celebration is highlighted by a candle procession. Wesak Day in
Malaysia is a national public holiday.
Vesak in
Sri Lanka [edit]
A Vesak
pandol or torana in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Vesak
is celebrated as a religious and a cultural festival in Sri Lanka on the full
moon of the lunar month of Vesak (usually in the Gregorian month of May), for
about one week. During this week, the selling of alcohol and fresh meat is
usually prohibited, with abattoirs also being closed.[8] Celebrations
include religious and alms-giving activities. Electrically lit pandols called toranas are erected in locations mainly in
Colombo, Kandy, Galle and elsewhere, most sponsored by donors, religious
societies and welfare groups. Each pandol illustrates a story from the 550 Jataka Katha
or the 550 Past Life Stories of the Buddha. In addition, colourful lanterns
called Vesak koodu are hung along streets and in front of
homes. They signify the light of the Buddha, Dharma and the Sangha. Food stalls
set up by Buddhist devotees called dansälas provide free food and drinks to
passersby. Groups of people from community organisations, businesses and
government departments sing bhakti
gee (Buddhist devotional
songs). Colombo experiences a massive influx of people from all parts of the
country during this week.
In Vietnam [edit]
Main
article: Hue
Phat Dan shootings
Vesak
Day is recognized as an official holiday in south Vietnam, started in 1958 by
the government of Ngo Dinh Diem, Republic
of Vietnam, and is canceled by unified Vietnam after the end of Vietnam War[9]
In
1963, the South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem, a
Catholic, and the younger brother of Archbishop Ngo Dinh Thuc banned the flying of the Buddhist flag. This led
to a demonstration and flag-waving in defiance of the ban. Diem's forces opened
fire on the Buddhist crowd, killing nine, sparking the Buddhist crisis, a
period of civil disobedience against religious discrimination.
Wesak In
Malaysia [edit]
Celebrated
by Buddhists to mark three momentous events in Buddha's life – his birth,
enlightenment, and his departure from the human world, the Wesak celebration in
Malaysia begins at dawn when devotees gather at Buddhist temples nationwide to
meditate on theEight Precepts.
Donations - giving food to the needy and offerings of incense and joss sticks -
and prayers are carried out. The sutras are chanted in unison by monks in saffron
robes. The celebration is highlighted by a candle procession. Wesak Day in
Malaysia is a national public holiday.
This significant and traditional
holy day is observed throughout Indonesia where it is known as Waisak Day. At
Borobudur, thousands of Buddhist monks will join together to repeat mantras and
meditate as they circuit the temple in a ritual called “Pradaksina”. This is a
form of tribute to the temple. Monks celebrate the special day by bottling holy
water (which symbolises humility) and transporting flames (which symbolize
light and enlightenment) from location to location. The monks also took part in
the “Pindapata” ritual, where they received charity from the people of
Indonesia.
|
Friday, May 24, 2013
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Memorial for Dalit spiritual leader and legislator to come up
Swami Sahajananda set up trust in Chidambaram for providing education to children from the depressed classes
The State government will construct a memorial to Swami Sahajananda, a Dalit spiritual leader, who set up Nandanar Educational Trust in Chidambaram for providing education to children from the depressed classes, particularly girls, in 1916.
Chief Minister Jayalalithaa told the Assembly that her government has decided to construct a memorial following a request from Republican Party of India member C.K Tamilarasan and CPI(M) members K. Balakrishnan and Ramamurthi.
Swami Sahajananda along with P. Subbaroyan, who was then premier of the Madras Presidency, strongly supported Annamalai Chettiar’s decision to set up Annamalai University in Chidambaram. The move evoked opposition from a section which questioned the need for a new university when Madras University was already there.
He was a member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Council between 1926 and 1932 and again between 1936 and 1947. After Independence, he was elected to the Assembly from the Chidambaram constituency and continued as a member till his death in 1959. Though a strong votary of Annamalai University, he criticised the institution on the floor of the Council when it spent more on teaching languages and subjects other than Tamil. He wondered whether a music department was necessary when people did not have food to eat.
Born as Munusami in Pudupakkam near Arani in 1890, he was rechristened Sigamani in a Christian missionary school in Tindivanam. “He quit school when there was an attempt to convert him and other students to Christianity. He was forced to repay the money the school had spent on his food,” said former MLA Ravikumar, who has compiled the speeches of Sahajananda in the Legislative Council and the Assembly.
Sahajananda’s family migrated to Kolar in search of a livelihood and he was attracted to spiritualism there. He established contact with many spiritual leaders, and one of them, Karapadi Swami in Vyasarpadi, advised him to work for the welfare of Dalits in Chidambaram. It was he who named him Sahajananda.
He established a mutt and a trust in the name of Nandanar, a medieval Dalit devotee and one of the 63 Saivite saints, in Chidambaram in 1916. Twenty-five students were admitted to his school.
“He advocated education for Dalit girls. Mahatma Gandhi visited the school in 1926 and again in 1934. He mobilised funds for the family of freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaram Pillai,” said Mr Tamilarasan.
He travelled to Singapore and Malaysia to give lectures on Saiva Siddantha. “He urged Dalits to abstain from beef. When there was opposition to Hindi, he spoke in support of teaching the language. He wanted Dalits to learn more languages, arguing that it would liberate them. In his institution, he taught Sanskrit to Dalit students,” said Mr Ravikumar.
Ms. Jayalalithaa also announced a memorial for Kuyili, a lieutenant of Velu Nachiyar, the queen of Sivaganga, who blew up armaments of the British in the 18{+t}{+h}century, by setting fire to herself and jumping into an armoury.
Manimandapams for Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan will come up in Dindigul. They supplied forces and ammunition to Velu Nachiyar in her fight against the British. She also announced that the Ambedkar memorial in Chennai would be renovated.
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