Today, Buddhists in Sri Lanka and all parts of the world are celebrating Vesak, which marks the Birth, Enlightenment and the Passing Away (Parinibbana) of the Buddha. It is the most important day in the international Buddhist calendar and is a holiday recognised by the United Nations (UN) on an initiative by Sri Lanka.
In Sri Lanka, this year’s State Vesak Festival is being held from yesterday at the newly consecrated Kuragala Raja Maha Vihara site off Balangoda in the Sabaragamuwa Province. This ancient site is believed to have been inhabited by prehistoric people around 16,000 years ago and thousands of years later, by a large number of Arahat Bhikkus. Kuragala has been in the hold of pagans for some time until efforts were made to reclaim its Buddhist identity. It has now been renovated with all facilities being made available for Buddhist pilgrims and tourists. The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited, publisher of the Sunday Observer, is the print media sponsor of the Vesak event. As usual, Vesak will be celebrated islandwide at Buddhist places of worship, homes, commercial establishments and many other places.
Significance
This year’s Vesak festival is even more significant for Sri Lankan Buddhists, as this is the first time that Vesak is being celebrated in complete freedom after the Covid-19 pandemic receded into the background after two years. Devotees faced many restrictions in celebrating Vesak during the last two years.
This does not mean that devotees are free to forget and abandon all health precautions this year, for Covid can strike at any time. Whether you go to the nearest temple or to a far-away sacred site such as Kuragala or Anuradhapura, follow all health protocols and check for any signs of illness.
This year’s Vesak festival is also being held amidst difficult socio-economic and political conditions. The people are experiencing economic difficulties and there has also been a major political upheaval. Nevertheless, Sri Lankans have always celebrated Vesak regardless of any difficulties they had to face personally or as a Nation. It will not be different this year.
After all, the Buddha’s message is even more apt at challenging times such as these. Mental fortitude in the face of challenges is a cornerstone of Buddhism and we need such courage more than ever now. No problem is insurmountable if we follow Buddha’s timeless words, which still ring true even after 2,500 years.
Man-made divisions
Our nation has been divided along ethnic, religious and political lines for many decades since Independence in 1948. These fractures had come to the fore in recent times, testing our will and very existence as a Nation.
We have gone through wars and insurgencies as a result. These fissures now seem to have erupted in spectacular fashion, deepening the multiple crises we face.
However, there have been many indications in recent times that the younger generation has no regard for these man-made divisions and even politics. Politicians can no longer divide them. They also respect all religions equally. This is a healthy sign that our future will be much brighter with them at the helm.
Thus, Vesak this year is most appropriate for spreading the message of unity, peace and reconciliation, the need of the hour. Today, the Nation is at a crossroads, facing a long, hard road ahead in order to rise Phoenix-like from the challenges. But this can be achieved in due course with unity and conviction of purpose, for which we can derive inspiration from the Buddha’s words.
Ample guidance
We have to opt for unity and peace at this time instead of discord and rancour. We have the Herculean task of rebuilding the Nation ahead of us. And the Buddha,Dhamma offers ample guidance for such a process of healing and rebuilding that benefits all our peoples irrespective of communal, religious or political differences or beliefs.
The Buddha during one of His visits to our island settled a dispute between two factions in Naga Deepa, stressing the importance of peace. His message of peace and unity for all Mankind resonates to this day, for His words are immortal and timeless.
The Buddha advocated compassion for all beings, human and animal and enunciated that hatred does not cease by hatred, but by love. “Arise! Do not be heedless! Lead a righteous life. The righteous live happily both in this world and the next.” (Lokavagga, The Dhammapada)
Indeed, our political parties and the people must derive inspiration from the Buddha’s advice, settle their differences and come to an arrangement to save the country at his juncture. Enmity and hatred will not take us anywhere.
Patience, a bliss
Last week, we witnessed a number of unfortunate events around the country such as arson attacks on the houses of people’s representatives. Their vehicles and other property were also destroyed. No problems can be solved by such destructive acts. On the other hand, restraint, patience and non-violence can solve a lot of problems in the long run. “One who, while himself seeking happiness, oppresses with violence other beings who also desire happiness, will not attain happiness hereafter.” (The Dhammapada, Dandavagga).
True purpose, forgotten
There are many such values that our society has lost sight of in the relentless pursuit of material wealth. This is not surprising in a highly commercialised world, where money is generally regarded as ‘everything’. In fact, the Vesak festival itself is commercialised to such an extent that many have forgotten its very purpose and foundation. We see the glitter and glamour in the illuminations and the pandals but fail to turn the light inwards to our inner selves with a view to purifying our thoughts, words and deeds. We should see beyond the colourful decorations and strive to understand the Buddha Dhamma and how it relates to our day-to-day lives.
The Buddha exhorted that affinity towards material things leads to constant suffering through Samsara. The Four Noble Truths and the Eight Fold Path espoused by the Buddha point the way towards a permanent end to this suffering - Nirvana, the State of Supreme Bliss. “Do not follow a life of evil; do not live heedlessly; do not have false views; do not value worldly things. In this way one can get rid of suffering.” (Lokavagga, The Dhammapada).
While this is the ultimate goal of every Buddhist, it would be wrong to assume that Buddhism is a very complicated philosophy that offers nothing for our lay lives. The Buddha had plenty of advice to offer for lay persons who want to lead to pious lives in their Samsaric journey. The Singalovada Sutta is entirely dedicated to advice for lay persons.
Inner peace
He made it clear that inner peace or cleansing the mind was the first step in this endeavour of finding an end to suffering. “The mind is hard to check. It is swift and wanders at will. To control it is good. A controlled mind is conducive to happiness.” (Chitta Vagga, The Dhammapada).
Thus, thoughts of peace and compassion should emanate from our minds at all times and a Nation that collectively engages in this exercise will see peace, unity and progress in every sphere.
Vesak has always been, and always will be, a time for unity. It is not only Buddhists who take part in Vesak activities. It is truly a national event where the whole country comes together as one. Many Vesak dansalas, pandals and decorations are put up by organisations headed by non-Buddhists. Singers from all communities join hands to sing devotional songs for Vesak. In fact, some of the most well-known Buddhist songs, played repeatedly on radio stations during Vesak, have been performed by non-Buddhists. Non-Buddhists help their Buddhist neighbours with their Vesak decorations.
Such religious and communal unity is vital to the development of our country and Vesak is an occasion which reinforces these bonds. This is in accordance with the teachings of the Enlightened One, who advised His followers to respect other religions and their views.
Vesak, the Holiest Day for Buddhists, gives them another opportunity to begin life anew by adhering firmly to the Dhamma. “He who practises the Dhamma abides in happiness with mind pacified; the wise man ever delights in the Dhamma.” (Pandithavagga, The Dhammapada).
The Dhamma has shown us how to lead fulfilled, pious lives without contaminating our minds with evil thoughts. Our nation has made a new start after many decades of bloodshed. Now, more than ever, there is a need to heal the wounds that have bedeviled this nation through love and compassion. There certainly is no better way than following the eternal words of the Buddha to achieve this noble objective.
“Of all the paths the Eightfold Path is the best; of all the truths the Four Noble Truths are the best; of all things passionlessness is the best: of men the Seeing One (the Buddha) is the best.” (Maggavagga, Dhammapada)