Happy Wesak Day!

Full Moon Day celebrating Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death

Happy Wesak, my friend!

I am writing to you from Malaysia where, like many other Asian countries, today it is Wesak, a public holiday commemorating the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death. Depending on the country, Wesak is known as Vesak, Waisak, Visakha, or Visak Bochea.

There are many rituals traditionally practised by Buddhist practitioners at Wesak, but as it is currently the Year of the Dragon, one in particular featuring dragons - called “Bathing the Buddha” - spoke to me to share today.

Photo by Arisa Chattasa on Unsplash

In many temples, monasteries and homes at this time, people will be ritually cleansing Buddha statues by pouring pure or flower-infused water over them three times, while making purifying prayers and intentions.

Evoking the birth story of the Buddha, it is said that on the arrival of newborn baby Prince Siddharta, nine celestial dragons appeared showering him with streams of fragrant water.

I love that this tradition offers a yearly ceremony to symbolically cleanse and purify body, speech and mind, much like spring cleaning or new and full moon releasing and renewal rituals.

I missed an opportunity to visit a local temple and participate in the Wesak celebrations, but with this in mind, I will do a personal ritual before bed.

Photo by Anthony Ievlev on Unsplash

Whisper my wishes for what I am ready to release along with my intentions for peace, love and compassion for myself and others into a glass of water tonight and then drink it in the morning.

Do you have cleansing ritual go-tos that are part of your monthly or seasonal practices in your culture or family?

I’m grateful that you’re here. Thanks for reading!