By Bernadine Rodrigo
Just as we have celebrated many significant holidays and festivals during the curfew, including the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, coming ahead is yet another increasingly important holiday on the Sri Lankan calendar. On 7 May, we will be celebrating the festival of Vesak, a time we Sri Lankans have dedicated to engage in activities such as making Vesak decorations at home, or to go out onto the streets and marvel at the various decorations such as trademark lanterns and pandols, as well as be a part of communal activities such as dansal where free refreshments are enjoyed by all.
This year, of course, we cannot be doing any of that and the entire festival must be spent indoors. In this backdrop, Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobitha Thera spoke to The Sunday Morning Brunch and shared his thoughts and advice on how we should be spending it this year with both Buddhists and non-Buddhists.
[caption id="attachment_82156" align="alignleft" width="300"]
Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobitha Thera[/caption]
The Thera recalled how last year we had to face a somewhat similar challenge as a result of the Easter Sunday bombings and the tightening of security all over the country. “Things are worse this time,” he said, adding that he believes it is so in an attempt for us to take part in protecting our society. “Buddhists can’t gather in temples and we can’t have any festivities, pereharas, and poojas anymore. We have always gathered together to celebrate this, but right now any of the things which caused us to gather together cannot be done.”
He explained how Sri Lankans usually celebrate Vesak – people have always gathered for Vesak innocently, freely, and joyously. He said that we must be joyful in knowing that we celebrate one of the most innocent and joyful festivals in the world.
A long-lived celebration of joy
Speaking of the serenity and significance of Vesak, he narrated the story of how Lord Buddha was born as Prince Siddhartha, became deeply absorbed in meditation, reached enlightenment, and passed away – all on this Vesak Day which falls in the month of May. He also reminded us that this year is the 2,564th year after the passing or Piriniwan Pama of Lord Buddha, which he reached at the age of 80, also giving us a little insight into what an ancient tradition we still uphold in this country as Sri Lankans.
He went on to say that we do not have to give up on this ancient tradition simply because we have to stay at home. Firstly, just because we can’t go outside to see the lanterns, it doesn’t mean we can’t actually enjoy this custom in the comfort of our own homes. He said that in reality, there is no better time than now to actually engage in this activity – not just because the Sunday school or school asked the child to, but because now is a time when we can actually put our hearts, minds, and souls into doing so. Furthermore, he said that the process of making lanterns is very healthy for the body for children and adults alike.
Ven. Sobitha Thera emphasised that so far, we have got used to the materialistic method of celebrating with lanterns by buying imported plastic from a shop just for the sake of it and then ultimately causing the great calamity of piling up garbage and thus polluting the environment. He spoke disappointedly about how terrible it is to see container loads of garbage collected after every Vesak each year, filled with materialistic, imported items, and he then claimed joyfully that this is a time when the children can actually feel the therapeutic values of making such a craft with their own hands with items simply found around the house.
“It would bring great joy to families as everyone can join in and make them together and feel the unity of a family this Vesak, all the while creating things to decorate your own house, which also, you must always know, will not be harmful to the environment later on,” the Thera said.
True purpose of Vesak is fading
He went on to speak about dansal, which are some of the highly anticipated events of Vesak every year in Sri Lanka, noting that this year, there’s no way of proceeding with them. He explained that the real purpose of these dansal is not merely to have fun, but rather to feed the hungry. He also criticised the way these dansal take place presently, saying that they have started to become a “crazy trend” and are not at all fulfilling the true Buddhist purpose of it.
“It is madness to hold dansal with ice cream or other junk food such as kottu, which are not food used to feed the hungry, going completely against the principles of Buddhism,” he shared. The Thera was also thoroughly disappointed with how it was normally done in Sri Lanka and was extremely joyful that it won’t be happening so this year. Instead, he said that he and other leaders of Buddhism implore people to approach a different method to fill the empty stomachs this year.
Ven. Sobitha Thera acknowledged the fact that there are many hungry people at present, but also noted that not everyone who has (things) necessarily has the ability to feed another human being. “Instead, feed the animals. They too are going hungry, so take care of them and feed them instead of slaughtering them and consuming them,” he said.
He then went on to say that these values must not be adhered to only on Vesak, but on every single day in the life of a righteous person. “Animals are our younger siblings, and we, being superior to them due to our ability to be knowledgeable, should treat them with kindness and caring,” he proclaimed, also mentioning the awakening situation of how we are currently suffering a pandemic as a result of animals being eaten.
At least this Vesak, he noted, we have to know how to let go of our greed towards worldly things just as Lord Buddha has preached. Accordingly, as the four basic needs of human beings are shelter, clothing, food, and medicine, we have to know that everything else is just a want that come out of extreme desire and greed – the want to eat flesh of other animals comes from the greed to eat food that tastes better and not because it nourishes us, the need for fashion comes because we are bound to this world and materialism and not because we need to cover ourselves with clean clothes.
He assured us that a prosperous Vesak will dawn this year if we simply follow the principles of simplicity, just as Lord Buddha himself has, and have solemn ceremonies at home, made merry by the labour of our own hands. He also encouraged the Buddhists of Sri Lanka to conduct their customs and poojas at home in a private and quiet manner.
[caption id="attachment_82155" align="alignright" width="150"]
Prof. R.G.D. Jayawardena[/caption]
Agreeing with Ven. Sobitha Thera on the true purpose of Vesak and the principles of Buddhism was University of Peradeniya Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies Head Prof. R.G.D. Jayawardena.
He added to the Ven. Thera’s advice, saying that while staying at home and conducting the rituals at home, we must also try to focus greatly on meditation and, similar to what the Thera said, try as much as possible to let go of our materialistic desires. He emphasised the need for meditation, for both Buddhists as well as members of other faiths in Sri Lanka, saying that there is no better time to do so than now.
Prof. Jayawardena noted that now is the ideal time for us to be celebrating Vesak with no other worldly things to distract us. Of course, we cannot do things such as almsgiving simply because it is harmful to society to do so at this point of time. However, materialism, according to Prof. Jayawardena, is the reason our world has been going on for so long.
“This is an opportunity for us to celebrate an exemplary Vesak according to the true principles of Buddhism,” he emphasised.
Here are the thoughts from some individuals who usually celebrate Vesak and have to change the way they do so this year. Bhanuja Wijesinghe
We usually go to the temple on the day of Vesak and have a small community celebration, with us participating in gathas and so on. We also decorate the house together as a family with lanterns and such. The small ones would usually go to the dansal. This year around, we have decided not to celebrate it at all because now is certainly not a time for celebration. It is indeed unfortunate that we cannot celebrate it as usual, but right now people have bigger things to worry about.
Rishini Jayaweera
We would usually go through all the works of going to see the lanterns and decorations, etc. However, this year we cannot do any of that, so we are planning on having a small session of prayer at home and maybe celebrating with some kavili (sweet treats) we have been saving since Avurudu. We were actually hoping to keep with the spirit of dansal by maybe providing some food to those who are struggling at this time, and I really hope we get to do so. Of course, right now, celebrating is not the priority and I believe we should focus more on what we can give to the people suffering rather than how we can indulge in it alone.
Devin Kulathunga
Of course, this year we cannot do any of the things which make Vesak a festival. It would be completely irresponsible of anyone to go about doing such things and we are in fact required not to do so by law. My family and I will be conducting the pooja at home. However, we will not be hanging any lanterns or such activities as this certainly isn't the time for symbols of merriment to be displayed. Wouldn't it be wonderful to see some empty stomachs filled this Vesak, instead of the privileged eating for free after standing in queues? We have to think about our neighbours this Vesak and truly understand the spirit of it by helping those in grave need.
Eesa Hettiarachchi
Vesak is usually about fun and community spirit in Sri Lanka. This year, of course, we can't do a single thing which we do to celebrate because that would put the entire country in danger. Right now, our biggest issue is not about celebrating something which we have always had the opportunity to celebrate every year. Right now, our focus must be on people who are suffering and how we can take responsibility and help the world in some way. Hence, we have decided not to celebrate Vesak at our home at all this year, although usually we would love to go around, see some pandols, and go to the temple. My little sister usually makes bucket lanterns but we are not doing so this year. It's sad that this is the situation of the world right now, but if we don't take individual responsibility, things are going to be much worse.
Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobitha Thera[/caption]
The Thera recalled how last year we had to face a somewhat similar challenge as a result of the Easter Sunday bombings and the tightening of security all over the country. “Things are worse this time,” he said, adding that he believes it is so in an attempt for us to take part in protecting our society. “Buddhists can’t gather in temples and we can’t have any festivities, pereharas, and poojas anymore. We have always gathered together to celebrate this, but right now any of the things which caused us to gather together cannot be done.”
He explained how Sri Lankans usually celebrate Vesak – people have always gathered for Vesak innocently, freely, and joyously. He said that we must be joyful in knowing that we celebrate one of the most innocent and joyful festivals in the world.
A long-lived celebration of joy
Speaking of the serenity and significance of Vesak, he narrated the story of how Lord Buddha was born as Prince Siddhartha, became deeply absorbed in meditation, reached enlightenment, and passed away – all on this Vesak Day which falls in the month of May. He also reminded us that this year is the 2,564th year after the passing or Piriniwan Pama of Lord Buddha, which he reached at the age of 80, also giving us a little insight into what an ancient tradition we still uphold in this country as Sri Lankans.
He went on to say that we do not have to give up on this ancient tradition simply because we have to stay at home. Firstly, just because we can’t go outside to see the lanterns, it doesn’t mean we can’t actually enjoy this custom in the comfort of our own homes. He said that in reality, there is no better time than now to actually engage in this activity – not just because the Sunday school or school asked the child to, but because now is a time when we can actually put our hearts, minds, and souls into doing so. Furthermore, he said that the process of making lanterns is very healthy for the body for children and adults alike.
Ven. Sobitha Thera emphasised that so far, we have got used to the materialistic method of celebrating with lanterns by buying imported plastic from a shop just for the sake of it and then ultimately causing the great calamity of piling up garbage and thus polluting the environment. He spoke disappointedly about how terrible it is to see container loads of garbage collected after every Vesak each year, filled with materialistic, imported items, and he then claimed joyfully that this is a time when the children can actually feel the therapeutic values of making such a craft with their own hands with items simply found around the house.
“It would bring great joy to families as everyone can join in and make them together and feel the unity of a family this Vesak, all the while creating things to decorate your own house, which also, you must always know, will not be harmful to the environment later on,” the Thera said.
True purpose of Vesak is fading
He went on to speak about dansal, which are some of the highly anticipated events of Vesak every year in Sri Lanka, noting that this year, there’s no way of proceeding with them. He explained that the real purpose of these dansal is not merely to have fun, but rather to feed the hungry. He also criticised the way these dansal take place presently, saying that they have started to become a “crazy trend” and are not at all fulfilling the true Buddhist purpose of it.
“It is madness to hold dansal with ice cream or other junk food such as kottu, which are not food used to feed the hungry, going completely against the principles of Buddhism,” he shared. The Thera was also thoroughly disappointed with how it was normally done in Sri Lanka and was extremely joyful that it won’t be happening so this year. Instead, he said that he and other leaders of Buddhism implore people to approach a different method to fill the empty stomachs this year.
Ven. Sobitha Thera acknowledged the fact that there are many hungry people at present, but also noted that not everyone who has (things) necessarily has the ability to feed another human being. “Instead, feed the animals. They too are going hungry, so take care of them and feed them instead of slaughtering them and consuming them,” he said.
He then went on to say that these values must not be adhered to only on Vesak, but on every single day in the life of a righteous person. “Animals are our younger siblings, and we, being superior to them due to our ability to be knowledgeable, should treat them with kindness and caring,” he proclaimed, also mentioning the awakening situation of how we are currently suffering a pandemic as a result of animals being eaten.
At least this Vesak, he noted, we have to know how to let go of our greed towards worldly things just as Lord Buddha has preached. Accordingly, as the four basic needs of human beings are shelter, clothing, food, and medicine, we have to know that everything else is just a want that come out of extreme desire and greed – the want to eat flesh of other animals comes from the greed to eat food that tastes better and not because it nourishes us, the need for fashion comes because we are bound to this world and materialism and not because we need to cover ourselves with clean clothes.
He assured us that a prosperous Vesak will dawn this year if we simply follow the principles of simplicity, just as Lord Buddha himself has, and have solemn ceremonies at home, made merry by the labour of our own hands. He also encouraged the Buddhists of Sri Lanka to conduct their customs and poojas at home in a private and quiet manner.
[caption id="attachment_82155" align="alignright" width="150"] Prof. R.G.D. Jayawardena[/caption]
Agreeing with Ven. Sobitha Thera on the true purpose of Vesak and the principles of Buddhism was University of Peradeniya Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies Head Prof. R.G.D. Jayawardena.
He added to the Ven. Thera’s advice, saying that while staying at home and conducting the rituals at home, we must also try to focus greatly on meditation and, similar to what the Thera said, try as much as possible to let go of our materialistic desires. He emphasised the need for meditation, for both Buddhists as well as members of other faiths in Sri Lanka, saying that there is no better time to do so than now.
Prof. Jayawardena noted that now is the ideal time for us to be celebrating Vesak with no other worldly things to distract us. Of course, we cannot do things such as almsgiving simply because it is harmful to society to do so at this point of time. However, materialism, according to Prof. Jayawardena, is the reason our world has been going on for so long.
“This is an opportunity for us to celebrate an exemplary Vesak according to the true principles of Buddhism,” he emphasised.
Here are the thoughts from some individuals who usually celebrate Vesak and have to change the way they do so this year. Bhanuja Wijesinghe
We usually go to the temple on the day of Vesak and have a small community celebration, with us participating in gathas and so on. We also decorate the house together as a family with lanterns and such. The small ones would usually go to the dansal. This year around, we have decided not to celebrate it at all because now is certainly not a time for celebration. It is indeed unfortunate that we cannot celebrate it as usual, but right now people have bigger things to worry about.
Rishini Jayaweera
We would usually go through all the works of going to see the lanterns and decorations, etc. However, this year we cannot do any of that, so we are planning on having a small session of prayer at home and maybe celebrating with some kavili (sweet treats) we have been saving since Avurudu. We were actually hoping to keep with the spirit of dansal by maybe providing some food to those who are struggling at this time, and I really hope we get to do so. Of course, right now, celebrating is not the priority and I believe we should focus more on what we can give to the people suffering rather than how we can indulge in it alone.
Devin Kulathunga
Of course, this year we cannot do any of the things which make Vesak a festival. It would be completely irresponsible of anyone to go about doing such things and we are in fact required not to do so by law. My family and I will be conducting the pooja at home. However, we will not be hanging any lanterns or such activities as this certainly isn't the time for symbols of merriment to be displayed. Wouldn't it be wonderful to see some empty stomachs filled this Vesak, instead of the privileged eating for free after standing in queues? We have to think about our neighbours this Vesak and truly understand the spirit of it by helping those in grave need.
Eesa Hettiarachchi
Vesak is usually about fun and community spirit in Sri Lanka. This year, of course, we can't do a single thing which we do to celebrate because that would put the entire country in danger. Right now, our biggest issue is not about celebrating something which we have always had the opportunity to celebrate every year. Right now, our focus must be on people who are suffering and how we can take responsibility and help the world in some way. Hence, we have decided not to celebrate Vesak at our home at all this year, although usually we would love to go around, see some pandols, and go to the temple. My little sister usually makes bucket lanterns but we are not doing so this year. It's sad that this is the situation of the world right now, but if we don't take individual responsibility, things are going to be much worse.