Reflection on Vesak Day

by Venerable Kwang Sheng

Vesak Day is celebrated annually by Buddhists in memory of Shakyamuni Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing into parinirvana. On this meaningful occasion, Buddhist organisations worldwide hold grand celebrations to express gratitude to the Buddha for his compassionate teachings that deliver beings from suffering. At the same time, through acts such as offering flowers and light; chanting sutras; or giving benevolently to the needy, they pray for personal happiness, national stability and international peace.

The Buddha achieved enlightenment more than 2,500 years ago while meditating intensely under a Bodhi tree. Since then, meditation has always been a key practice in Buddhism. In recent decades, rapid developments in our material world have resulted in sharp increases in stress levels, feelings of aggravation and bewilderment. Hence, an ancient yet effective remedy to treat psychological troubles was been pushed to the forefront of the world’s stage – mindfulness meditation.

Mindfulness is an act of introspection, of turning one’s attention inwards to observe phenomena as they are. In contrast, most people live their lives with attention fully tuned to the outside world. Hence their minds are constantly shifting with the everchanging external conditions, and continually giving rise to likes or dislikes, greed or aversion. As a result, they can never feel at peace. In order to relax our mind and body, and live harmoniously, we need to cultivate the ability to be mindful, by frequently shining a light introspectively, so as to ensure we remain calm and serene in the midst of our interactions with the phenomenal world.

Through mindfulness meditation, we cultivate an open and steady ability to introspect, guarding our mind and thoughts all the time. We are at ease and understand that with such a clear and steady mind, we can manage all of life’s challenges. This is the aim of mindfulness meditation. In recent years, western medicine, psychology and neuroscience have accumulated vast experimental research to demonstrate that mindfulness meditation can effectively enhance our physical and psychological health, including alleviating physical symptoms of illnesses, reducing negative emotions, cultivating positive psychological traits, boosting emotional balance, improving attention and cognitive functions, and strengthening social skills.

In view of the positive benefits of mindfulness meditation, educators in both the East and West have already incorporated mindfulness meditation training into their school curricula for various grades, hoping it will help students achieve healthier growth and balanced development.

As Vesak Day approaches, I wish all our devotees and readers fulfilment of your wishes and all things auspicious. Live in gratitude and mindfulness.