1. Wesak

2. 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.

3. 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!

4. Lights are offered to
images of the Buddha, as
a symbol of the
enlightenment that he
achieved, and to which
every Buddhist aspires.

6. In many Therevadin
Countries, people
celebrate by lighting
special lanterns, and
hanging them from
their houses, or taking
them on parades.

7. Special, floodlit
processions
take place.

8. This float
commemorates
the Buddha’s
Enlightenment.

9. Buddhists may Some
circumambulate
them carrying Viharas are
lanterns – to brightly
symbolise their
desire to be illuminated
enlightened, and
to keep the
Buddha at the
centre of their
lives.

10. Some Buddhists perform a simple
ritual of washing a “Baby Rupa”,
to symbolise welcoming the
Buddha after his birth.

11. Wesak is a time when
the laity make a
special effort to give
donations to the
bhikkus.

12. As well as the
normal offerings of
food, it is traditional
to give special
candles, as symbols
of the Buddha’s
enlightenment.

13. 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!

14. Wesak is seen as
an important day
to study the
dharma – so
people will read
texts, attend
lectures, and visit
their local
temple.

15. Some Buddhists mark
Wesak by taking part
in merit- making
activities
demonstrating
compassion to all
beings.

16. The three month rainy season
retreat.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. “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”
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!

20. 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.

21. Giving robes to the
Sangha is a great
source of Merit for
the donors.

22. 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.