Festivals and Retreats: Practices in Britain and elsewhere Flashcards
What is the annual Buddhist Festival?
Wesak
What is Wesak?
The english version of the word Vaisakha which is th ename if the ancient Indian lunar month that corresponds to April/May.
When is Wesak now celebrated?
On the day of the first full moon of the month of May.
Wesak celebrates what 3 key events in the Buddhas life?
Birth, enlightenment, passing away
How is Wesak celebrated?
- Light is a key symbol. Carrying lanterns, lighting up shrines, viharas, temples, and statues of the Buddha are important ways of celebrating. There are often processions of Buddhists carrying candles symbolising enlightment.
- Water is another key symbol. In China Wesak is known as ‘Bathing of the Buddha day’ or ‘Yufojie’. For many washing statues of the Buddha is a symbol of washing away Punna kamma and renewing a persons commitment to being Buddhist.
- Freeing animals is another symbol. In some countries Buddhists let loose captive birds symbolising the liberation from Dukkha.
- Giving Dana. Most Buddhists hope to visit their local Vihara and take a Dana of candles, incense, and flowers. Dana of money may also be given to charities to help relieve suffering.
What is the most important focus of Wesak?
- Refocussing on being a Buddhist by chanting Triratna and by trying to put into practice words which are chanted.
1) They focus on the Buddha and give thanks for his Bith, enlightenment and Paranirvana.
2) They focus on following the Dhamma by example, by reading sacred texts such as the dhammapada and by reciting their commitment to Pancha Sila (5 moral precepts)
3) They focus on the Sangha by taking part in parades and processions and by visiting Viharas. Monks, nuns, lay men and women all come together as one.
In Mahayanan Buddhism what is the most important festival?
Paranirvana day- Normally the 15 February Buddhists remember how the Buddha aged 80 died and entered a state of complete nirvana after death -Paranirvana.
How is Paranirvana day marked?
-People focus on the 3 Lakshanas but particularly Anicca because death is a reminder that everything is impermanent.
- In particular Mahayana Buddhists read or chant extracts from the Mahaparanirvana sutra, which describes the exact last days of the Buddha’s life and his last teaching that he gave to his principle disciples, his first cousin Ananda. The Buddha knowing he is about to die arrives at Kushinara and lies on his right side between two trees supporting his head. He then talks about Annica and not to cry or lament for he had always taught about impermanence. He then asks his assembled Bhikkus 3 times if they have any questions to ask him, they remain silent and he says his last words.
‘All conditioned things are subject to decay. Attain perfection through diligence.’
What is Vassa?
Vassa is a Theravadan tradition of retreating to the rainforests for a 3 month period. This has its origins in the life of Buddha. Today Bhikkus follow this example by trying to remain in their Viharas as much as possible during Vassa.
It begins with the Bhikkus chanting the Dhamma Chakra Pavattna Sutra. This means ‘ The setting in motion the wheel of the Dhamma sutra’. This is the sermon in which the Buddha first refers to the four noble truths on which all Buddhist teaching is based. Lay Buddhists try to come to the Vihara to hear these sermons being read out.
During the 3 months Buddhists intensify their efforts to meditate, study and recieve instruction from senior Bhikkus. Outside the Vihara lay Buddhists may assign the 3 months to focus on renewing their own commitment to Buddhism by following more closely the Dhammapada and Pancha Sila.
When is Vassa?
This is determined by the Lunar calendar. It usually takes place between July, August, and September.
How does Vassa end?
Vassa ends with Parvana day. Parvana means invitation and Bhikkus who have lived closely together for the past 3 months meet and comment on behaviour and how how they can improve.
What is Kathina?
Following the ending of Vassa there is a month long period for lay Buddhists to offer cloths for making robes to Bhikkus. They may also make other offerings to help life in the Vihara.
The word Kathina was given to a sewing frame on which cloth was spread out to make into robes.
In Theravadan communities Kathina is celebrated in the following way.
-The lay Buddhists meet at the Vihara in the morning for a communal meal. The Bhikkus eat first then everyone else.
-After a lay Buddhist is chosen to lead the people in reciting the Triratna and Pancha Sila. Then the offering of finely folded cloth is given and accepted by 2 Bhikkus on behalf of the other Bhikkus. The announcement is given about who will receive new robes. Monks with damaged robes are given priority and after it is designated according to seniority. Once cloth is accepted the monks begin cutting and sewing at once. Sewing of the robes should be completed that day. When robes are completed, usually in the evening monks are ceremonially given their new robes.
