Latest news with #Wesak
The Star
4 days ago
- General
- The Star
For the love of peace for all across South-East Asia as Buddhists in Malaysia celebrate the Wesak festivities in prayers and also style
In wishing peace for all in the region of Asia and South-East Asia during troubled times and tariff wars set by the US and in some places seeing the heartache of wars and then some countries also suffering devastating natural disasters, Malaysian Buddhists celebrated the continuing Wesak festivities in fine and grateful style in Brickfields on Saturday (May 31). But while the call for peace was done strongly across the region with prayers being the call of the day but there was much fun, games and festivities (which included dance performances) in the event held at the Dewan Asoka at the event. In much celebration there were much significance for all Buddhists' in the country for the festival and honouring the threefold celebration in celebrating Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and passing with reverence and joy. Significance of the Dana Ceremony This event celebrates Buddhist teachings and the spirit of community. It unites monks, leaders, and devotees from various traditions, showcasing the unity and diversity of Malaysia's rich Buddhist heritage. The Dana ceremony highlights collective generosity and compassion, bringing together hundreds to share in this meaningful act of giving. Expression of Gratitude to the Sangha After the spiritual observances of Wesak celebration the birth, enlightenment, and passing (Parinirvana) of the Buddha. The offering Dana to the Sangha (monastic community) is a way for laypeople to express gratitude and respect for the monks and nuns who preserve and share the Dhamma (teachings of the Buddha). It means giving back in appreciation for their spiritual guidance, discipline, and commitment to preserving the Buddha's teachings. What It Means Gratitude to the Sangha Following the spiritual observances of Wesak—which commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing (Parinirvana) of the Buddha—offering Dana to the Sangha (monastic community) is a meaningful way for laypeople to express gratitude and respect. The Sangha preserves and transmits the Dhamma, guiding laypeople through their spiritual journey. By offering Dana (food, robes, medicines, and other necessities), devotees: -- Honor the Sangha's dedication and spiritual service. -- Acknowledge their vital role in preserving the Buddha's teachings. -- Support their continued practice free from material concerns. This act of giving strengthens the bond between the lay community and the monastics, sustaining the Dhamma across generations. Three main Buddhist sects and their traditions: 1. Theravada -- Oldest school of Buddhism -- Practiced mainly in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia -- Focuses on the Pali Canon, individual enlightenment, and monastic discipline. -- Emphasizes meditation, morality, and wisdom. 2. Mahayana -- Spread across China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam -- Broader path focused on compassion and helping all beings achieve enlightenment. -- Includes schools like Zen and Pure Land -- Belief in Bodhisattvas (enlightened beings who delay Nirvana to help others) 3. Vajrayana -- Mainly found in Tibet, Bhutan, Mongolia, and parts of the Himalayas -- Combines Mahayana philosophy with esoteric rituals, mantras, and visualizations. -- Strong focus on teacher-student transmission (guru yoga) Cultivation of Merit (Punya) In Buddhism, Dana (generosity) is one of the most powerful ways to earn merit, good karma that leads to peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Offering food and essentials to the Sangha after a sacred day like Wesak helps purify the mind and brings blessings to both giver and receiver. Continuation of a Sacred Tradition For over 2,500 years, Buddhists have practiced Dana as taught by the Buddha. Offering to the Sangha after Wesak links the day's spiritual meaning with a timeless act of giving, strengthening the community's connection to the faith. Uniting the Community Through Dana A large Wesak Dana invites hundreds to give together, fostering compassion, unity, and a shared sense of purpose.
The Star
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Dazzling floats brighten parade
THIS year's Wesak Day procession in Penang was a spectacle for the senses, featuring a series of performances and floats adorned with thousands of flowers. There were also a glistening Bodhi tree, towering inflatable Buddha statues and a LED screen displaying the story of Buddha. Devotees followed with flowers in hand, offering prayers as the floats paused every few metres along the route in George Town. Children were seen singing and wishing onlookers a Happy Wesak Day, while monks chanted prayers. Walking behind one of the floats was Ong Chin Chai, 56, who was spotted pushing his three dogs in a stroller. Ong stood out among the parade participants as his two poodles and a Pomeranian were seen enjoying their evening. 'Every year, I go to pray during Wesak Day, but this is my first time following the procession,' said Ong. Ang (right) with his wife and children checking outone of the floats. 'This year I want to give thanks for the blessings in my life, and decided to walk the entire length of the procession. 'I am used to taking my dogs out and wanted them to experience the celebration this year as well. They enjoy it and do not mind the loud music and chanting,' said the e-hailing driver. Yeoh Ban Aik, 46, who runs a cafe, said while he could not walk the entire stretch, he wanted his children to experience seeing the different types of floats every year. 'We make it a point to come pray and then I take my kids to walk around and see the floats before the start of the procession. 'My children are now nine and four, and perhaps when they are older we will walk with the floats,' he said. 'It is important to educate the young ones about Buddha's teachings and it's nice to do so during a celebration,' Yeoh added. Manager Ang Wei Cheng, 40, drove over from mainland Penang to the island to see the Wesak procession. 'This year I thought it would be nice for my three children to see the procession. We sat by the roadside and watched it together,' he said. Devotees from Buddhist Triple Wisdom Hall taking part in the float procession. Ang said as a Buddhist, he observed being vegetarian on Wesak Day. 'It is not a new year or festival for us; rather it is a time to celebrate Buddha's life and teachings. 'It is nice that the floats in many ways depict his life's story,' he said. The Wesak Day procession began at 6.30pm from Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) in Burma Road. Themed 'Foster True Compassion and Wisdom, Forge True Peace and Harmony', this year's celebration featured over 20 floats in the grand parade. The parade has been organised by the Penang Wesak Celebrations committee since 1949. The ornately decorated floats from various associations and temples, all depicting Buddha, followed a 7km route starting and ending at the MBA building. The procession moved along Kelawei Road and Burma Lane, where the Burmese Buddhist Temple and the Siamese Reclining Buddha Temple are located. The route continued onto another stretch of Burma Road, followed by Peel Avenue, Macalister Road, Perak Road and Anson Road before returning to MBA after dark. SMJK Phor Tay students putting on a drum performance during the celebration. Penang Wesak Day Celebrations committee chairman Datuk Dr Loh Hock Hun said this year marked the 2,569th commemoration of the Thrice Blessed Day of Gautama Buddha, honouring his birth, enlightenment and attainment of Mahaparinirvana. He said the celebration was an opportunity to unite a community in faith. 'I hope that mutual respect would be practised among all individuals, as it is the foundation of national harmony,' he said. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was the guest of honour, said the annual float procession, rich in spiritual and cultural symbolism, continued to reflect Penang's vibrant multicultural harmony and shared values. 'Each year during Wesak, beautifully decorated floats parade through the streets, with devotees offering prayers in reverence. 'These celebrations attract people of all ethnicities and visitors, making it not only a religious observance but a vibrant display of unity and harmony,' he said.
The Star
16-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Celebrating faith and mothers
Volunteers dressed in colour-coded uniforms and arranged themselves to form the Chinese character 'jue'. A GRAND celebration was held to commemorate Wesak, Mother's Day and Global Tzu Chi Day by the Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur & Selangor). Held at Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, the event also marked the organisation's 59th anniversary. The festivities were held on May 11 and 12. Among attendees were Buddhist elders and monks, foreign diplomats, representatives from political parties and the business sector. This year's global theme for Tzu Chi was 'May we learn and attain awakening with mindfulness; May we walk on the Bodhisattva path with diligence.' The theme encouraged all to unite in doing good, cultivating wisdom and bringing peace and hope to society. Volunteers dressed in colour-coded uniforms were arranged to form the Chinese character jue, which means 'to perceive', reflecting the global theme. They also formed 'TC59' and '2025', symbolising the chapter's 59th anniversary. Tzu Chi programme coordinator Justin Ooi said that over 6,000 devotees and volunteers participated in the event. Devotees praying at Tzu Chi Jing Si Hall on Wesak Day. — Photos: ART CHEN/The Star He said participants were invited to symbolically bathe the Buddha on both days. 'We also organised filial piety activities, specially designed for children to express gratitude to their parents during this meaningful occasion which honours both Buddha and mothers,' he said. On Wesak Day, Tzu Chi chapters around the world hold ceremonies to gather collective goodwill and offer prayers for global peace. A special highlight of the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor ceremony this year was the live link with Tzu Chi headquarters in Hualien, Taiwan. This allowed participants to join parts of the Taiwanese ceremony and receive teachings from Tzu Chi founder Master Cheng Yen via real-time live stream. On the second day, families were seen taking part in filial piety-themed activities, where children were taught to value and honour their parents. In a touching gesture, they offered tea and flowers as expressions of gratitude. A variety of family-friendly activities were also held, including cake decorating, dance classes, Zentangle and Nagomi Art trial sessions and craft workshops. The ground floor of the building was transformed into a lively marketplace with food and craft stalls, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
The Star
12-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Final touches before Wesak Day
Devotees at a prayer session led by monks at the Malaysian Buddhist Association in Burma Road, Penang before the Buddha statue was moved from the hall to the float to be decorated with flowers for the Wesak Day procession. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI and ART CHEN/The Star BUDDHISTS in Malaysia observe Wesak Day today, honouring the birth, enlightenment and passing into Mahaparinirvana of Gautama Buddha. At temples nationwide, staff and volunteers have been busy preparing for the celebration. Temples have been adorned with lights, floral decorations and devotional offerings, as devotees and volunteers come together in a shared spirit of faith and community. During Wesak, devotees make offerings such as flowers, joss sticks, incense and lotus-shaped candles. In Petaling Jaya, Selangor, the Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple, which blends Thai and Malaysian practices, will welcome devotees for a series of rituals including prayer sessions, almsgiving and other activities to mark the occasion. They have been decorating vibrant floats, setting up ceremonial areas and organising religious events in the lead-up to the festival. At the Malaysian Buddhist Association in Burma Road, Penang, preparations have been made for the annual Wesak float procession starting at 6pm today. Workers busy sprucing up the temple facade, cleaning up ceremonial areas and setting up tents in preparation for Wesak Day at the Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The celebrations began earlier last week with a lotus-themed exhibition featuring Buddhist calligraphy, paintings and cultural displays. Wesak Day is commemorated by lighting joss sticks, incense and lotus-shaped candles, offering flowers and ceremonially bathing the Buddha statue.
New Straits Times
12-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Malaysia's diversity a strength, not division
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's diversity is a source of strength, not division, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke in conjunction with Wesak Day. He called for unity through empathy, compassion, and mutual respect. Speaking at a Wesak Day celebration at the iconic Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple in Brickfields here today, Loke underscored the importance of embracing the nation's multicultural identity, saying that shared values such as compassion, wisdom and mindfulness transcended religious boundaries. "Our differences need not divide us. Instead, they enrich our society, shaping a national character that is compassionate, inclusive, and resilient. "The values that Wesak represents – compassion, wisdom, mindfulness, and selflessness – are not only Buddhist virtues. "They are universal human values that resonate across all faiths and philosophies," he said. He said Malaysia's peaceful coexistence among various faiths and ethnicities was a testament to the nation's maturity and the legacy of its forefathers. "In a world often marked by conflict and polarisation, Malaysia stands as an example of how people of different ethnicities and religions can live, work, and celebrate side by side," he said. Following the ceremony, Loke joined more than 5,000 Buddhist devotees in a colourful float procession held in conjunction with the celebration. The procession, featuring around 30 decorated floats, covered a 12km route before returning to the Maha Vihara Temple. Wesak Day is of central importance to Buddhists, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. The festival is marked by the lighting of incense sticks and lotus-shaped candles, the offering of flowers, and the symbolic bathing of the Buddha statue. –Bernama
