Shared by: http://www.plog.com.sg/ We've all heard of Vesak Day, but what exactly does it stand for? In the spirit of being truly Singaporean,let's take a look at this important Buddhist festival and gain enlightenment on what it truly represents.

1. Vesak DayJune 1, 2015

2. We've all heard of Vesak Day, but
what exactly does it stand for? In the
spirit of being truly Singaporean,

3. let's take a look at this important
Buddhist festival and gain
enlightenment on what it truly
represents.

4. Singapore's Buddhists
celebrate Vesak Day
to commemorate the
Buddha's birth
enlightenment and
Nirvana

5. Celebrated by Buddhist throughout the
world especially...

6. Common Practices
During Vesak

7. Meditation
Self-reflection to seek inner enlightenment and
peace

8. Abstinence from Meat
A mark of restraint from taking life during this holy
day; Buddhism holds that all life is sacred

9. Releasing Animals such as
Doves and Tortoises Symbolises
releasing the soul and giving up past sins,
also a symbolic act of liberation to call for freedom
of those who are in captivity, imprisoned or tortured
against their will.

10. Bringing Offerings of flowers,
Joss-sticks and Candles
A reminder of the impermanence of life

11. Giving to Charity
Helping the less fortunate follows in the footsteps
of Buddha and generates good karma

12. Reciting Verses
To invoke peace and happiness for the government
and people while reminding Buddhists to live in
harmony with people of other faiths and beliefs, as
taught by Buddha

13. Observing the Eight
Precepts
Practicing morality, simplicity and humility to better
humankind

14. Bathing the Buddha
Represents the purification and cleansing of the soul.

15. Creating Vesak Gifts
Make your own lanterns and cards for Vesak.
Decorate them with symbols of the Buddha's birth
and Enlightenment such as lotus flowers, lights and
the bodhi tree.

16. Temples are festooned with flags and lights,
and lights, and captive animals are released.
Mass candle light processions occur during
this holiday, attended by devotees chanting
sutras and paying homage to the Buddha.

17. Buddhists make merit in this day by giving
to the poor through charitable
organizations, often visiting prisons and
hospitals to share their bounty with
residents

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