A Canadian reflects on Vesak

Having been here just shy of six months, I observed and continue to observe many cultural differences and similarities between Canadians and the Sri Lankan people. However, I choose to focus my observations on the May Vesak Celebrations that took place in Nuwara Eliya and, virtually around the country. Canada is a Judeo-Christian country, for the most part, so rituals of Buddhism and other religions outside of Christianity were largely unfamiliar to me.

As I understand it (from my readings), Vesak, is the holiest of Buddhist religious celebrations symbolizing the birth, enlightenment and death of Lord Buddha. In his enlightenment, he was led to perceive the arising and cessation of suffering and all forms of "unsatisfactory" thus providing a process for the eradication of addiction and cravings. Once these cravings are eliminated, liberation of the mind takes place. With this insight, he attained Full Enlightenment under the historic Bodhi Tree.

Long before the actual Vesak Day, I noticed an expectation in the air; an expectation of joy, hope, celebration and excitement. I noticed this in the excited tension of conversation, in preparations for Vesak and the promise of time to spend with families in their gamas. I heard talk of fasting, cooking and feasting. I learned about kiri bat and seeni saembol.

Then, in the week before Vesak, the usual decorum that usually greeted me as I entered the hospital or the regional district health office was interrupted by people sitting on the floor, pasting, gluing, tying and cutting. They glued and tied sticks together to build a frame and then pasted brightly coloured crepe paper, rainbow coloured streamers and flower inspired designs into place on the lanterns. They created unique designs in an artistic eruption for their particular lanterns. Some of the lanterns were tiny and swung dainty in the breeze, while others were massive pieces of art.

However, the beauty of the lanterns was not realized until Vezak. At nightfall, the lanterns were lit and hung in a beautiful array along main street. Lanterns looking like giant water lilies floated on ponds in and about the town. Lanterns twinkled, exuding light and hope everywhere. They hung from homes, telephone poles, police stations and government buildings. School yards and temples sailed these beauties in the wind.

It was fantastic and mesmerizing to behold. However, what struck me was the sense of joy, peace, and belonging that was apparent in those who participated in the celebration. It was a religious celebration, but it was much more than that. It was a time of ritual and tradition. It was a time for family. It was a time for community. It was a time for personal reflection. Perhaps religion is the vehicle for these important spiritual events where we can come together to share and belong. I noticed that as human beings our needs appear to be the same. Vesak reminded me of our Christmas. Thank you, Buddhist people for allowing me to participate in your Holy Day.