Reflections On Wesak

Wesak Commemorates the * The Birth of The Buddha * His Enlightenment * His Passing Away

Siddhartha was born in Lumbini in 623 B.C. on a Wesak Full Moon Day

Receiving an excellent education, he married and had a son.

At 29, realizing the fleeting and unsatisfactory nature of life, he left the palace in search of Peace and Truth.

This historic renunciation was born out of compassion for the suffering of all beings in Samsara.

For 6 long years Siddhartha struggled on a course of arduous mental training.

On a Wesak Full Moon Day, at 35 years of age, Siddhartha obtained perfect Enlightenment.

Enlightenment Enlightenment – The Unconditioned State of Perfect Peace, Happiness and Freedom

For 45 years, the Buddha expounded The Dhamma.

The Buddha Preached The Four Noble Truths

The First Noble Truth: Suffering or The Unsatisfactory Nature of Conditioned Existence.

The Second Noble Truth : The Cause of Suffering, which is Craving

The Third Noble Truth: The End of Suffering, which is Nibbana

The Fourth Noble Truth: The Noble Eightfold Path leading to the end of Suffering

Noble 8-Fold Path 1. Right View or Right Understanding

Noble 8-Fold Path 2. Right Thought

Noble 8-Fold Path 3. Right Speech

Noble 8-Fold Path 4. Right Action

Noble 8-Fold Path 5. Right Livelihood

Noble 8-Fold Path 6. Right Effort

Noble 8-Fold Path 7. Right Mindfulness

Noble 8-Fold Path 8. Right Concentration

With compassion and wisdom, the Buddha diligently worked for the good and happiness of Mankind.

At His final hour of death, at 80, He addressed His disciples:

“ Ripe is My age, short is My life, leaving you I shall go. I have made Myself My Refuge.

“ Be diligent, mindful and extremely virtuous. With thoughts collected, guard your mind.”

“ In this Doctrine and Discipline, by living arduously, you will escape the cycle of rebirth and put an end to suffering.”

“ Think not that you have no Teacher after My death. Regard the Dhamma and Vinaya I have taught you as your Teacher.”

“ He who practices My Teaching best serves Me most. He who sees the Dhamma sees Me.”

“ Subject to change are all component things. Strive on with Diligence.”

It was on a Wesak Full Moon Day, more than 2550 years ago, that the Supreme Buddha, our Great Teacher, passed into Parinibbana.

With Metta, Bro. Oh Teik Bin Happy Wesak May this Thrice-Sacred Day Bring Peace and Happiness To All Of You!