Vesak Day Celebration in Singapore

Welcome.

A couple of weeks ago was Vesak day (Vesākha (Pali; Sanskrit: Vaiśākha वैशाख), the biggest celebration of the year for the Buddhist faith. The celebration encompases the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Gautama Buddha.

In Singapore it was a public holiday. Daniela and I went to one of the many places around the island where Buddhists were celebrating. The photos are from our visit.

Volunteers from the Amitabha Buddhist Centre had worked very hard to create the environment in this huge marquee. We enjoyed our visit very much.

This huge golden statue of Buddha was specially made for this annual event. It was built in four parts for easy storage. Each part has its own storage box.


I am about to leave for a very special trip to Ladakh in the most northern state of India (Jammu Kashmir), an area sometimes referred to as little Tibet due to its proximity to, and influence from Tibet. This post seems a fitting start to my journey as I will see the monasteries, monks and the influence of Tibetan Buddhism. A real treat! The next several issues of my blog after I come back will be dedicated to that trip.

Don't miss it! In the meantime, take care.

Alan






















One thing that struck me
immediately was the theme of
abundance. Lots of everything.
Including Buddhas
















Lots of lights






















There was a constant stream of
people lining up to pour water
over the head of this small
statue of the Infant Buddha














It was a focal point of the celebration






















They start very young, although
this little one is a bit oblivious
to the significance of the event

















Quite a stretch for the small ones, but
determination is everything
















View from inside the marquee towards the
Golden Buddha
















Fruit offerings
















Lots more Buddhas






















Small Tibetan chorten stupas






















Prayers are put in these Tibetan
prayer wheels. The most common
is the mantra

"Om Mani Padme Hum"

This mantra is the resonant vibration
that helps tune a human being toward
enlightenment energies
















Not sure about about the blue bit!
















A line up of 21 Tara statues. Tara is a female
Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism
















A closer look at three of the statues















The main altar showing a beautiful Thangka

I hope to see you when I get back from India