LOA ~*~Vesak Day 2004 Water Offerings of Light Ceremony~*~
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Merry Meet to All,
In early May, i was pondering on "What to do for Vesak day?", during a coffee session with my friends & students, one of my student suggested we make "Lotus Lanterns" as offering of light to Buddha. Then Meowsusan who was there also said she knows how to make the lanterns! It was a great idea seemingly however i feel something is missing. Anyway i told them to proceed with the "Lotus Lanterns" making with a number of 99! All of us put in our efforts in producing the lanterns from scratch. In late May, i came to the idea of it will not only be a simple offering of lanterns & light as what most fellow buddhists do at Temple & Monastery! Intuitively i had this intent to make this offering in a place of water like river or stream & the number of lanterns to be 108 instead of 99! Then a place of offering came to my mind.
On 1st of June 2004, we meet-up at 10pm near our place of offering. We had dinner there first, there are only 3 of us as some of them cannot make it, i, Meowsusan & one of my student Jason!
We reached around 11:45pm at our place of offering after a long hike there, a really nice river! At 12am which was 2nd of June 2004 Vesak Day, i initiated them to lay out the candles which i brought, all 108 candles! The Ceremony begin, Each of us layed out 36 candles infront of us & i gave them instruction to send loving kindness energy of white light into the candles & chant mantra over each candle when they do so! I proceeded mine with chanting of "Itipiso" over my 36 candles while radiating white, pink, gold & sliver lights into it! When it is done, followed by "Pali Suttra Chanting" led by me, Oceanos, i instructed them to follow me in my recitations & chanting of the following suttras:
1. Vandana (x3)
~ Homage to Buddha.
2.Ti-Sarana
~ The Three Refuge, Salutation To The Buddha, Salutation To The Dhamma & Salutation To The Sangha.
3. Jaya-Mangala-Gatha
~ Stanzas of Victory.
4. Offering of Light.
5.Offering of Incense.
After the Chanting over all the 108 candles, we proceed to send out the offerings! My student, Jason was tasked by me to put the lanterns into the water, Meowsusan's task was to lay out the lanterns, I will put candle in them one by one & as i light the candle with the intent to send out Loving Kindness energy to all beings in this plane while chanting Mantra in my mind! The whole ceremony was fully completed at 3:30am & we all felt really happy about it. May all beings to be well & happy! May all beings be without pains & sufferings! May all beings be blessed by the Light of the Buddhic energy!
I give thanks to all who make the efforts to participated & rendered help in making this ~*~Vesak Day 2004 Water Offerings of Light Ceremony~*~ possible! Meowsusan, En' & Jason thanks for your help in making the lanterns! All cannot make it, your efforts & intentions will be appreciated in all planes! who Happy Vesak Day to all!
Blessed Be,
Oceanos -
~Significance of Vesak Day~
Vesak Day, which falls on the full moon day of the fifth month of the year, is the most important event for the Buddhist community. It commemorates the Birth, Enlightenment and Final Nirvana of the Buddha.
For some Buddhists, the observance of Vesak begins early in the morning when they assemble at temples to observe the Eight Precepts. Others may join the communal observance by going through the ceremony of taking the Threefold Refuge (expression through faith and commitment to the Buddha, His teaching and the Holy Community), observing the Five Precepts, making offerings at shrines and by chanting and recitation. They may also participate in processions and circumambulation, and listening to sermons of the Buddha's Teaching.
In some temples, Buddhists take part in the ceremonial bathing of the statue of baby Prince Siddhartha (before he became the Buddha) A small standing statue of the prince is placed in a basin of perfumed water strewn with flowers. The Buddhists scoop the perfumed water with a ladle and pour it over the statue. This act of bathing symbolises the purification of one's unwholesome actions.
Many Buddhists also take vegetarian meals on this day as they recall the teaching of universal compassion. The temples are often colourfully decorated with Buddhist flags and lights. The shrines are also filled with flowers, fruits and other offerings.
Significance of Buddhist Observations
Buddhism in practice is more than just learning about the life of Buddha and His Teachings. It includes many observances, some of which are common to all Buddhists while others are characteristics of a particular culture or country. The significance of some common observances is as follows:
Buddhist Shrines and Images
The Buddha image in the centre of shrine represents and reminds us of the Buddha and the ideal of Buddhahood with its perfect qualities of Wisdom and compassion. It serves to inspire us when we see it as we recall the greatness of the Buddha and His Teaching.
Folded Palms
Placing the palms together and raising them to the level of the chest is a traditional gesture to express deep reverence to the triple Gem -the Buddha, His Teaching and the Sangha (followers of his Teaching).
Bowing
Prostrating before an image of the Buddha or members of the Sangha is an expression of deep veneration. It also acknowledges that the Buddha has attained the perfect and supreme Enlightenment. Such an act helps the Buddhist to overcome egoistic feelings to become more ready to listen to the Teaching of the Buddha.
Offerings Making the following shrine
Offerings expresses appreciation and veneration to the Triple Gem:
Light symbolises the brightness of wisdom attained on the path towards Enlightenment which drives away the darkness of ignorance.
Fresh and beautiful flowers which soon becomes withered, scentless and discoloured serves as a reminder of the impermanence of all things.
Fragrant incense which fills the air symbolises the purifying effect of wholesome conduct.
Water symbolises purity, clarity and calmness.
Fruit symbolises the ultimate fruit of Enlightenment which is the goal of Buddhists.
Chanting and recitation
Verses may be recited in praise of the Triple Gem. Sermons of the Buddha can also be recited. Short phrases or syllables (mantras) that symbolises certain teachings or qualities of the Buddha may also be chanted. Chanting and recitation, like meditation, also helps one to concentrate and develop a calm and peaceful state of mind.
*Excerpts Adapted from the book "Be a Lamp Upon Yourself"
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~Offering of Light~
Fire is such a primal energy and the sun - as a halo, disc, wheel or circle - is one of the most common religious symbols. Fire as a form of light is special in a way that needs a book, not just a few lines on one page. As a medium for purification it has no equal - only its antithesis, water, comes close. Fire is used in many Buddhist rituals.
Lighting a fire of any sort is nice - making it as an offering is special and using this as part of developing one's use of a shrine is an easy way to help focus the mind on the shrine and what it represents to you. -
Photographs taken at LOA ~*~Vesak Day 2004 Water Offerings of Light Ceremony~*~
~My student, Jason placing the Lotus Lanterns into the river~
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~Lotus Lanterns floating on the river~
Really magnificent & brilliant sight...
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~Lotus Lanterns flowing out further from the River bank~
Some of them flowed in group of 9 lanterns which seem rather special & strange as the lanterns are placed into the river one by one...
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~Long distance views of the Lotus Lanterns~
They are floating as if in a line... -
The Lotus Lanterns are flowing as if they are led by the Guardians of the River in a line which from far looked like a "Dragon", very enchanting & mystical! The Energies that are radiating from them are of many coloured lights of Rainbow with some gold & silver lights! There were also a high presence of "Pure White Light"! It was such an empowering & overwhelming sight! Our Offering of Light has been accepted in all Planes. May Buddha Shower us & all beings with His Blessings!
Blessed Be,
Oceanos -
Nice Pictures
but why don't have Oceanos? -
hahaha me don't like to take photo...Originally posted by F.O.S:Nice Pictures but why don't have Oceanos?
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Too bad I couldn't make it that night...
Well, there'll always be a next time yah?
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Next Vesak Day perhaps! hahahaOriginally posted by En':Too bad I couldn't make it that night...
Well, there'll always be a next time yah?
Around next year then...kekeke -
may 3 of u b bless wif happiness n success in life
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maybe he cannot be photographedOriginally posted by F.O.S:Nice Pictures but why don't have Oceanos?
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Morning Brother,Originally posted by zacken99:may 3 of u b bless wif happiness n success in life
Thanks, May you be blessed with Joy & happiness too!
Blessed Be,
Oceanos -
Merry Meet Again Boariggy,Originally posted by boariggy:maybe he cannot be photographed
Hahaha of coz not, just i don't like to take photograph! Maybe you like to post your photo in here, I am sure alot would love to see it!kekeke...
Blessed Be,
Oceanos -
thank youOriginally posted by zacken99:may 3 of u b bless wif happiness n success in life 
you too "best wishes" ... -
Originally posted by OCEANOS:
all the picture turn out well, each light mean happiness and love....
[b]~Lotus Lanterns floating on the river~
Really magnificent & brilliant sight... [/b] -
so sad you not there but thank you for your support and help ... we can do it with your support ...Originally posted by En':Too bad I couldn't make it that night...
Well, there'll always be a next time yah?