Buddhism - Wesak

Question 1

Intro

Answer 1

Wesak guides, teaches and reaffirms the four noble truths to adherents assisting them on the ultimate purpose of enlightenment. Wesak is the holiest day in the Buddhist calendar, celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and the death of the Buddha, this day is set upon the first moon of the Taurus in May or June in leap years and involves rejoicing and pondering.

Question 2

Annica

Answer 2

During Wesak Buddhists light candles and lanterns, the flames in the candles eventually burn out symbolising Annica meaning the impermanence of all things, one of the three marks of existence. The candles also represent the enlightenment of the Buddha and the hope of enlightenment of adherents which guides Buddhists to the purpose of achieving enlightenment.

Question 3

Anicca

Answer 3

The recognition of Anicca and the enlightenment of the Buddha through the candle and lanterns assists Buddhists in “right mindfulness” and “right concentration”. The bathing of the Buddha involves members of the Sangha pouring water and symbolically bathing statues of the baby Buddha. This ‘cleansing’ symbolises adherents being cleansed of bad karma. This also reminds adherents to purify their minds from the three poisons of ignorance, attachment, and aversion which assists them on the eightfold path to achieve “right resolve” and “right view”.

Question 4

Conclusion

Answer 4

Through the significant practice of Wesak and the rituals of bathing the Buddha and the lighting of the candles adherents are guided on their search for meaning and purpose through the eightfold path as described in the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta.