Enlightenment Changes in Government. 17.1 The Enlightenment The Enlightenment.
Wesak. Wesak is the Therevadin festival that takes place on the Full moon of the month of Vesakha...
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Transcript of Wesak. Wesak is the Therevadin festival that takes place on the Full moon of the month of Vesakha...
![Page 1: Wesak. Wesak is the Therevadin festival that takes place on the Full moon of the month of Vesakha (May), to celebrate the Birth Enlightenment, and death.](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022081503/5a4d1b0c7f8b9ab05998b755/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
WesaWesakk
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Wesak is the Therevadin festival
that takes place on the Full moon of the month
of Vesakha (May), to celebrate the Birth Enlightenment, and
death of the Buddha.
![Page 3: Wesak. Wesak is the Therevadin festival that takes place on the Full moon of the month of Vesakha (May), to celebrate the Birth Enlightenment, and death.](https://reader036.fdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022081503/5a4d1b0c7f8b9ab05998b755/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Light is an important symbol of
Wesak – some Buddhists think of the Buddha and his teachings as a light that illuminates the
darkness of Samsara – and of
course there is the idea of
enlightenment!
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Lights are offered to images of the Buddha,
as a symbol of the enlightenment that he achieved, and to which
every Buddhist aspires.
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In many Therevadin Countries, people
celebrate by lighting special lanterns, and hanging them from
their houses, or taking them on
parades.
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Special, floodlit
processions take place.
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This float commemorates the Buddha’s
Enlightenment.
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Some Viharas
are brightly
illuminated
Buddhists may circumambulate them carrying lanterns – to symbolise their desire to be enlightened, and to keep the Buddha at the centre of their lives.
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Some Buddhists perform a simple ritual of washing a “Baby Rupa”, to symbolise welcoming
the Buddha after his birth.
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Wesak is a time when the laity make
a special effort to give donations to
the bhikkus.
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As well as the normal offerings of food, it is traditional
to give special candles, as symbols
of the Buddha’s enlightenment.
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Lay buddhists also express their determination by taking on the
extra five precepts that are usually only taken by Bikkhus
for the duration of Wesak!
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Wesak is seen as an important day
to study the dharma – so
people will read texts, attend lectures, and
visit their local temple.
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Some Buddhists mark Wesak by taking part in merit- making activities demonstrating compassion to all beings.
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The three month rainy season retreat.
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The Buddha preached his first
sermon to five ascetics in the deer park at Varanasi.
This is commemorated on Dhamma Day –
when bikkhus chant the Dhamma
Cakka Sutta – the text of the first
sermon.This marks the
beginning of Vassa – the three month long rainy season
retreat.
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The first viharas were established in the
Buddha’s time for the bikkhus to rest in during
the monsoon rains. It was seen as an opportunity to
reflect, study and meditate intensively. This is still the case, and Vassa
is an important time for bikkhus.
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The end of Vassa is marked by Pavarana day, when the bikkhus
reflect on their behaviour during the
rains retreat. This is an opportunity to get
strained relationships out in the open!
“Venerable ones, I invite reprimand from the Sangha. According to what has been seen, heard or suspected of my actions,
may the Venerable ones correct me out of their compassion. Recognising it is my
fault, I shall make amends”
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During Vassa the Bikkhus and the Laity have had little to do with one another. The end of Vassa is marked by a festival of Unity called Kathina. The Bikkhus are congratulated on their retreat, as it is
believed that they have created merit for the whole community. Lay believers give the Bikkhus new
robes, and other essentials for the Vihara.
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Giving robes to the Sangha is a great source of Merit for
the donors.
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Uposatha days.Uposatha days.Uposatha days happen on the full
and new moons. The Bikkhus gather together to chant the 227
Patimokkha rules of the Sangha. This is seen as an opportunity for
Bikkhus to recommit themselves to their lifestyle, and to clarify the
mind.