Buddhists all over the country celebrated Wesak Day on 21st May 2016. Over here, the morning began with intermittent light drizzles which soon gave way to clear weather by the late afternoon, dispelling all fears that those participating in the procession that night would be drenched to the skin! Buddha is great!
One of the main activities of this festival is the "bathing of the Buddha". Legend has it that when Prince Siddhartha was born, there were auspicious signs heralding his birth such as radiant sunshine, flowers blooming and birds singing. Have you ever wondered why the small statue of Buddha which we bathe has one hand pointed to the sky and one pointed to the ground? According to the legend, at his birth, seven lotus flowers sprung up beneath his feet as he walked. Pointing one hand to the sky and ground, he said: "In the heaven above and earth below, I vow to liberate all who suffer in these three realms". Since that time, Buddhists celebrate Wesak by using water filled with fragrant flowers to bathe his image.
I was at the Phor Tay temple to offer prayers on Wesak morning and also took part in the bathing ritual. The altar in the prayer hall was as usual beautifully decorated with many offerings such as flowers and fruits. Here are a few pictures I took.
One of the main activities of this festival is the "bathing of the Buddha". Legend has it that when Prince Siddhartha was born, there were auspicious signs heralding his birth such as radiant sunshine, flowers blooming and birds singing. Have you ever wondered why the small statue of Buddha which we bathe has one hand pointed to the sky and one pointed to the ground? According to the legend, at his birth, seven lotus flowers sprung up beneath his feet as he walked. Pointing one hand to the sky and ground, he said: "In the heaven above and earth below, I vow to liberate all who suffer in these three realms". Since that time, Buddhists celebrate Wesak by using water filled with fragrant flowers to bathe his image.
I was at the Phor Tay temple to offer prayers on Wesak morning and also took part in the bathing ritual. The altar in the prayer hall was as usual beautifully decorated with many offerings such as flowers and fruits. Here are a few pictures I took.
These children can't wait to bathe the Buddha!
Offerings at the altar
Beyond the darkness, there is light,
Beyond the ignorance, there is wisdom.
May the Lord Buddha guide you to the path of glory!
Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!
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