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As we enter the lunar month of April, Buddhists worldwide are eagerly awaiting Vesak. So what is Vesak? What can we expect from Vesak 2023?
Introduction to Vesak
Vesak, also known as Buddha Day, is one of the major festivals of Buddhism. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha.
On this day, temples across Vietnam will organize various activities such as offerings, incense lighting, candle lighting, Buddha bathing ceremonies, Dharma talks, meditation, vegetarianism, and charity. Additionally, there will be enthusiastic and diverse Vesak celebrations in Vietnam including parades, rituals, releasing lanterns on rivers, preaching sessions interspersed with cultural performances and lanterns.
A characteristic feature of this day is charity work. Buddhists often engage in helping the needy and those in need of special care. Charity is not only a way to express gratitude but also helps Buddhists cultivate their souls and achieve higher enlightenment.
In fact, Vietnam is not the only country in the world celebrating Vesak. Countries like Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Cambodia also have many activities to mark this international day.
In Thailand and Sri Lanka, charitable activities such as giving gifts to the poor and disabled are often organized. In South Korea and Japan, activities honoring Buddhism such as parades and artistic performances are common.
When Is Vesak 2023 Celebrated?
Vesak Day is usually celebrated on the 15th day of the 4th lunar month every year. Vesak Day 2023 will be on Friday, June 2, 2023.
Meaning and Origin of Vesak Day
Vesak Day is one of the three major festivals in Buddhism, alongside Enlightenment Day (the day Buddha attained enlightenment and entered Nirvana) and Ullambana (Parents' Day). Vesak Day is held annually on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month, corresponding to the day of Vesak in the Gregorian calendar, commemorating the birth of Buddha. Siddhārtha Gautama, commonly known as Buddha Shakyamuni, was born on the 15th day of the fourth lunar month in 624 BCE in Lumbini Garden and passed away in 554 BCE.
Celebrating Vesak is a wonderful occasion for Buddhists to reflect on life and contemplate the precious teachings of the Buddha. It's not just about honoring the Buddha; it's also an opportunity for introspection. This special day reminds Buddhists of compassion and kindness, providing a chance for each person to become a better version of themselves, contribute positively to society, and bring happiness to those around them.
Key Activities of Vesak Day 2023
Here's a summary of some standout activities for Vesak Day 2023. Take a look to plan for this significant event.
1. Vesak Day 2023 at Bai Dinh Pagoda - Ninh Binh
According to information from the Fanpage of Bai Dinh Pagoda, the Great Vesak Festival PL.2567 - DL.2023 will officially take place at Bai Dinh Pagoda at 8:00 PM on May 27, 2023 (corresponding to April 9 in the Year of the Monkey). This special event will be held at the Bai Dinh Pagoda International Convention Center, located in Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province.
The conference will feature a series of exciting programs. First is the reenactment of the Buddha procession, creating a solemn and sacred atmosphere, demonstrating deep reverence and respect for the Buddha.
The message of Vesak PL.2567 - DL.2023 transmitted by the Most Venerable Supreme Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha carries profound teachings and spiritual messages from the Buddha. It's an opportunity for attendees to receive and spread the noble teachings and spirit of the Buddha.
The ritual of bathing the Buddha on Vesak is one of the most significant ceremonies of the festival. It's a special moment for everyone to turn inward spiritually and pray for peace and happiness for the world.
The cultural performances celebrating Vesak also contribute to the joyful and colorful atmosphere of the festival. Talented and creative performances will bring laughter, deep appreciation, and spiritual inspiration to the audience.
2. Vesak Celebration in Ho Chi Minh City
According to the latest information from Thanh Nien Newspaper, Vesak Day 2023 will be a great opportunity for #teamKlook to release lanterns and participate in the Buddha bathing ceremony.
2.1. Lantern Release Registration at Dieu Phap Pagoda - Binh Thanh District
On the occasion of the grand Vesak celebration in 2023 (Buddhist calendar 2567), Dieu Phap Pagoda in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City announces the registration for participating in the lantern festival 'Returning to Buddha's embrace.' The program takes place from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM on May 31, 2023 (the 13th day of the 4th lunar month) at Dieu Phap Pagoda.
To register for participation, people can visit the pagoda's Facebook page and fill in the information in the link provided. For practitioners of Dieu Phap Pagoda, they can register via phone number 0903.979.898 (Disciple Tam Dao). Registration is open until May 28 or until reaching the maximum number of participants (600 people). Only suitable registration forms will receive invitations.
(*) The program may be canceled or changed depending on the weather conditions.
2.2. Quan Am Tu Viện Ha Thuy - 7 Lotus on Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe Canal
Quan Am Tu Viện in Phu Nhuan District has various activities for the Vesak celebration. Activities include hanging flags and lanterns along the streets and banks of the Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe Canal in front of Quan Am Tu Viện from May 19 to 21. On May 21, there will be a ceremony of floating 7 lotus flowers on the canal.
On May 26, there will be a Buddha bathing ceremony, lighting 7 golden lotus flowers on Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe Canal, a procession of Vesak flowers to celebrate the grand Vesak celebration, and commemorate the 60th anniversary of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc's self-immolation. On May 29, 500 charity gifts will be distributed to poor patients. On June 2, there will be a Buddha bathing ceremony, and on June 4, 7 lotus flowers will be salvaged from the canal.
2.3. Activities to Welcome Vesak 2023 at Minh Dao Pagoda - District 3
Minh Dao Pagoda in District 3 will host various activities for the Vesak celebration. On May 26, Minh Dao Pagoda will inaugurate a cultural space exhibition to celebrate Vesak and commemorate the 60th anniversary of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc's self-immolation, along with the Buddha bathing ceremony.
On June 1, Minh Dao Pagoda and the P.9 MTTQ Committee will distribute charity gifts and hold a Dharma talk 'Buddha's Hand in My Hand' by Master Minh Niem at 6:30 PM. On June 2, the Vesak celebration will officially take place at 9:00 AM followed by a music festival at 6:30 PM.
2.4. Phap Hoa Pagoda - District 3
Check out the schedule of events welcoming Vesak 2023 at Phap Hoa Pagoda - District 3 below!
Update on Vesak Lantern Floating Ceremony at Phap Hoa Pagoda 2023
The lantern floating ceremony to celebrate Vesak 2023 at Phap Hoa Pagoda is gaining attention as the 'largest lantern floating event in Saigon'. This event holds religious and spiritual significance, attracting the interest of many local Buddhists.
Information about the lantern floating ceremony to celebrate Vesak 2023:
- Time: The ceremony will take place at 18:30 on May 30, 2023, corresponding to the 12th lunar month's full moon night.
- Location: Phap Hoa Pagoda, 220/3 Truong Sa, Ward 14, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
Every year on the full moon day of the 4th lunar month, Phap Hoa Pagoda organizes a lantern floating ceremony in front of the pagoda. This activity is in commemoration of Vesak and a prayer for the prosperity of the nation and inner peace. Each participant receives a lantern for free and has the opportunity to write beautiful wishes for their loved ones and families. Subsequently, the lanterns are released onto the Nhieu Loc canal, hoping to bring luck and peace.
3. Activities Celebrating Vesak 2023 at Tam Chuc Pagoda - Ha Nam
Vesak 2023 PL.2567 - DL.2023, a significant occasion in Buddhist spirituality, will take place at the International Convention Center of Tam Chuc Pagoda on June 2, 2023 (corresponding to the 15th day of the 4th lunar month in the Year of the Cat).
4. Celebrating Vesak at Ba Vang Pagoda - Quang Ninh
The Vesak 2023 festival at Ba Vang Pagoda will feature a series of remarkable and meaningful programs. The cultural performance to celebrate Vesak will take place on the evening of the 2nd day of the 4th lunar month, Year of the Cat (May 20, 2023), while on the 3rd day of the 4th lunar month, Year of the Cat (May 21, 2023), there will be important events such as the Transmission of Eight Precepts, Vesak Festival, Inauguration Ceremony of the world's largest mountain temple, joint dance performances, and flower parade to celebrate Vesak.
The Vesak 2023 festival at Ba Vang Pagoda is part of the series of events celebrating the United Nations Vesak Day. The festival aims to pray for national peace and world harmony, bringing happiness to all sentient beings.
Things to Do During Vesak 2023
1. Practicing Vegetarianism
Today, vegetarianism has become a popular trend, attracting not only families but also young people on special days such as the 1st day of the lunar month, the full moon day, and especially Vesak Day. Vegetarianism not only holds spiritual significance but also helps the body eliminate toxins, making the mind lighter, and is beneficial to health. Preparing vegetarian meals doesn't have to be complicated, just use fresh vegetables, roots, fruits, and plants.
2. Clean House, Tidy Altar
On Vesak Day, cleaning the house and tidying the altar is a way to show reverence for the grand occasion. Moreover, this activity helps families and communities become more united, creating a spirit of joy, tranquility, and peace.
3. Visit Temples
If circumstances permit, you can visit temples to listen to sermons or offer floral offerings to the Buddha altar, spending some time reflecting on life's difficulties. This helps relax the mind, dispelling worries. If you have taken refuge, support the temple in preparing for the ceremony, assisting and guiding visitors.
Below are some suggested temples in Vietnam that you can visit during Vesak 2023:
- Sun World Ba Den Mountain Cable Car Ticket in Tay Ninh
- Tour Visiting Temples in Ho Chi Minh City
- 1-Day Pilgrimage Tour to Chau Doc - Visit Lady Chua Xu by Deluxe Sleeper Bus
- 1-Day Tour to Visit Father Diep and Mother Nam Hai with Guide
- Day Tour to Visit Tam Chuc Pagoda - Trang An from Hanoi
- Day Tour Visiting Perfume Pagoda Hanoi
4. Engage in Charitable Activities
During Vesak Day and even on regular days, perform many charitable deeds, helping those who are more in need than yourself. Just as the Buddha taught, do good deeds with a heart of sharing and compassion, without seeking personal gain.
5. Release Lives
On this day, you can join the Buddhist community in releasing animals such as birds, fish...
6. Meditation & Chanting
On this day, you can spend time meditating and chanting. Meditation helps soothe the soul, bringing peace and tranquility. Chanting is a way to express reverence and respect for the Buddha and the saints.
Through the suggestions above, #teamKlook can experience Vesak Day meaningfully and practically. Cherish this day to bring more joy and peace to the soul, as well as spread compassion and love to everyone around.
Stay tuned to the Klook Vietnam Travel Blog to pocket useful information about traveling in Vietnam and many other countries around the world. Have you prepared to welcome Vesak Day 2023 yet?
