Wesak is the most holy holiday on the Buddhist calendar. The exact date of Wesak is defined according to the lunar calendar, as the first full moon of May, which corresponds to the birth, enlightenment (nirvana) and the passing away (sarinirvana) of the Buddha. While this holiday has been celebrated on this day for many centuries it was only in 1950 that it was formally recognized at the first Conference of the World Fellowships of Buddhists held in Sri Lanka.

This month is known as a blue moon. That means there will be two full moons this month the 2nd and the 31st. Most Buddhist Traditions celebrate Wesak on the first full moon of May. The Tibetan culture uses a different lunar calendar so we celebrate Wesak called “Saka Dawa Day” on the 31st - the second full moon of May.

On Wesak, Buddhists around the world assemble in temples for special practices. Devotees may bring simple offerings of flowers, fruit, incense, or candles for the shrine. These symbolic offerings are to remind followers that just as the beautiful flowers would wither away after a short while and the candles and incense would soon burn out, so too is life subject to decay and destruction. Devotees are enjoined to make a special effort to refrain from killing of any kind. They are encouraged to partake of only vegetarian food for the day. In some countries, notably Sri Lanka, two days are set aside for the celebration of Wesak and all liquor shops and slaughter houses are closed by government decree during the two days.

Some traditions have a special “bathing of the baby Buddha” which I have participated in at the Vietnamese temple here in Kansas City. A small statue of the baby Buddha is placed upon a stand inside of a large punch bowl filled with scented, saffron water. Devotees are invited to come up and with a ladle to pour the special water over the head of the baby Buddha - thus bathing him.

It Tibetan Buddhism, Saka Dawa day can continue on for two weeks. It is customary for very devote practitioners to do a practice known as Nyung Na. In Tibetan, the word “Nyung” means less. “Na” means remaining. This means that during this time, we reduce our negativity and, ideally, eliminate negativity entirely. On the first day, one vegetarian meal is consumed before noon and liquids are taken the rest of that day. On the second day, no food or drink (not even water) at all is consumed. At the same time the Eight Mahayana Precepts are also taken.

The Eight Mahayana Precepts or vows in Tibetan are called “So Jong.” “So” means we replenish the positive, and “Jong” means we purify the negative. By taking the eight Mahayana precepts the experience is greatly intensified. Usually, “noble silence” is also practiced during this time.

Doing even one Nyung Nä or “abiding in retreat” for just two days is said to be as effective as three months of other purification practices and is extremely powerful for healing illness, purifying negative karma, and opening the heart to compassion.

Very often this Nyung Na fasting (along with the Eight Mahayana Precepts) is continued in an eight day cycle. So great is the powerful merit of this practice that to do one Nyung Na, closes the doors to the lower realms in the next rebirth. It is also said that by completing eight consecutive Nyung Na practices, one closes the door to rebirth in samsara. One is instantly reborn into a realm where enlightenment comes quickly and easily.

In Tibet and India, very devote practitioners will wear strips of red cloth over each shoulder and tied at the waist. This is to signify to others that they are practicing Nyung Na and noble silence. In addition they do Chenrezig practice and recite the mantra of the Buddha “Om Muni Muni Maha Muni Ye Soha” repeatedly - throughout the day.

It is also common during Saka Dawa day to do animal releases as show of one’s compassion and bodhichitta. Animals that would be killed, such as minnows for bait, are purchased by the thousands and released into lakes or streams. Also animals that are scheduled for slaughtered such as a lamb or calf are purchased and set free. Such actions are believed to generate much merit.

In the Parinirvana Sutra the Buddha himself instructed his followers how to pay homage to him after his passing. Just before he died, he saw his faithful attendant Ananda, weeping. The Buddha advised him not to weep, but to understand the universal law that all compounded things (including even his own body) must disintegrate. He advised everyone not to cry over the disintegration of the physical body but to regard his teachings (The Dharma) as their teacher from then on, because only the Dharma truth is eternal and not subject to the law of change. He also stressed that the way to pay homage to him was not merely by offering flowers, incense, and lights, but by truly and sincerely striving to follow his teachings. This is how devotees are expected to celebrate Wesak: to use the opportunity to reiterate their determination to lead noble lives, to develop their minds, to practice loving-kindness and to bring peace and harmony to humanity.

So, we will celebrate Saka Dawa Day on Sunday, May 27th. I will arrive before dawn to give the Eight Mahayana Precepts for those who want to take them. Sunrise on that day is at 5:57 am so we will gather at 5:30 am and I will give the Eight Mahayana Precepts at 5:45 am. We will have our regular service at 10:30 am and then a potluck vegetarian lunch will follow. If you take the Precepts then this will be the only meal you eat for that day - until sunrise of the next day.

During that day you should recite the mantra of the Buddha and follow the precepts as precisely as possible. You should be mindful in all of your actions not to harm others through body, speech or mind, and finally to bring compassionate and healing intention to every situation.

If you practice in this way, you will be actualizing the real meaning of Wesak.