Vesakha

Vesakha is the sixth lunar month of the old Indian calendar - usually falling in May.

Vesakha is often called Buddha day and is probably the most universally celebrated festival in the Buddhist calendar. In the Theravada tradition it is a remembrance of the three most significant events in the Buddha's life; his birth, enlightenment and final passing (parinibbana). Traditionally these all took place on the full moon of Vesakha. At Buddhist temples this day is very much centered around devotional practices in relating to recollection of the life of Lord Buddha. There are often readings from scriptural texts and commentaries of various stories from his life. The devout would take time for periods of meditation and paying homage to Buddha images and shrines.

The coming of a Buddha (an enlightened being) into the world is seen as tremendously important. The teachings given by such a being are seen as a light that dispels the darkness of ignorance and the use of lights and lanterns is a common way of marking this festival. In Sri Lanka the devoted make great processions of illuminated floats.

Led by the monks, the lay followers of Lord Buddha will perform a circumambulation (parikamma) of the Bot (Ubostha or "Ordination Hall"), each holding in a gesture of respect a candle, insence and flowers to offer to a shrine of Lord Buddha. which is commonly part of the evening's events.

Schedule

Saturday,

6:00 PM. Receive the eight precepts.

7:00 PM. Evening Chanting and Meditation.

Sunday,

10:00AM. Pindabat food offering to monks.

11:00 AM. Monks repast.

1:00 PM. Sermon