If you're not a Buddhist, you've probably never heard of the Wesak Festival, but did you know that this is one of the most important events on the eastern calendar for those who follow Buddhism?
The Wesak Festival, according to Buddhist wisdom, is the most significant time of the year because it is when heavenly forces manifest on Earth. It is considered to be when the Buddha himself sends a blessing to the Earth. Discover, in this article, the origins, meaning and how to celebrate the Wesak Festival, as well as its relationship with Astrology!
What is the Wesak Festival?
According to Buddhist tradition, the Wesak Festival is the most special date on the calendar of the faithful of this religion, because it is on this day that Buddha descends spiritually to Earth, during a full moon, pouring blessings, hope and positive energies on all humanity. In Sinhalese (language of the country Sri Lanka), Wesak (or Vesak) is the lunar month that happens between the months of April and May of the Gregorian calendar, which is our calendar.
The most common way to celebrate the Wesak Festival is to meditate intensely and fervently, not just as one meditates on ordinary days, asking Gautama Buddha for what is in his heart, but above all, giving thanks for the good things that have been done. received over the previous cycle.
The Buddhist calendar has some dates called Uposatha, which can be translated as "day of observance", that is, a day when it is necessary to be more interiorized and focused on spiritual practices such as introspection, reflection and meditation.
In some regions of Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and China, Wasek Festival, also called Buddha Day, is considered a holiday.
The Origin of the Wesak Festival
In 1950, at the first conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists, held in Sri Lanka, the council of that body decided to choose the full moon of the month of Wesak/Vesak as the Buddha's birthday. This was just a formalization of this celebration, which has traditionally been going on for centuries.
How to celebrate the Wesak Festival?
Each country, region or community where Buddhism is present celebrates this date in a way, and the celebration varies even from faithful to faithful, but the most common is that long and fervent meditations are made, in which all desires, fears , hopes and thanks are exposed, to take advantage of the spiritual presence of Buddha among us.
In some places, Buddhists wear only white clothes on the day, decorate their homes with lanterns and pour water over the shoulders of their Buddha statues, a symbol that everyone needs to cleanse their minds and lives of fear, anger and attachment. . Energies of love, awareness and wisdom are emanating during these meditative moments, with the aim of attracting enlightenment and wisdom.
Two other common practices are offerings to the Buddha and also performing a special puja. Puja is a ceremony honoring Ganesha, one of the most well-known gods in Buddhism and the most popular deity in India. In this ritual, sacred mantras are chanted, incense and lamps perfume and light the environment and flowers are offered to this deity, in addition to coconut, Indian sweets and dhal, an Indian dish made with lentils, blended vegetables and chickpeas.
Finally, performing good practices on this day, such as solidarity actions, donation and help, is common among Buddhists. As the spiritual energies emanating from the spiritual presence of Buddha are very positive, it is also beneficial to emanate positive vibrations and amplify this current of good energy.
The Wesak Festival in 2022
In the year 2022, the Wesak Festival will take place exactly on May 6th, which is when a full moon occurs. In España, those who want to benefit from the energy of this date should begin their meditations and rituals on the night of May 5th.
In the year 2023, the Wesak Festival will take place on May 19.
Meditation at the Wesak Festival
Regardless of whether you are a Buddhist, the day of the Wesak Festival is quite conducive to meditation because it takes place at the beginning of a full moon. There are cycles of ebb and flow of spiritual energy, and one of these cycles is linked to the phases of the Moon—this cycle is known as the full moon rhythm. The culmination of this lunar energy cycle, also called high tide, is the full moon, when the energy channel goes through an odd moment, especially if there is group meditation.
If you dedicate a part of your day to meditation on this special date, therefore, you will be part of a global energy channeling movement, as thousands — perhaps millions — of people will be meditating at the same time, for the same reason.
The Wesak Festival and Astrology
In addition to being the day of the Wesak Festival and, consequently, of a full moon, April 27, 2021 will have another particularity, which is the event of a Supermoon.
The Supermoon is a full moon, but much larger than the average full moon. It is estimated to be 15% brighter and 7% larger than the traditional full moon. This special event occurs between one and six times a year, depending on the astronomical cycle.
This April 27, 2021 Supermoon occurs with Uranus and Aquarius present in the ascendant, bringing many questions to those who believe in Astrology. Check out in the following topic what the stars tell us about this date.
meaning of supermoon
As with Aquarius and Uranus as ascendants at the base and are together in the 4th house (representing home and family), this Supermoon can bring impactful events, such as scares, twists and surprises. In addition, events with great repercussion and that are beyond any control, as well as sudden upheavals and agitations, may arise on or close to this date.
Saturn, which is in tension with Uranus, brings an energy of depression, crises or contention, so it brings some discouragement, but also changes or giving up directly linked to the structure of our lives.
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In the days around the Supermoon — as it continues to have influence for up to 14 days after its occurrence — avoid taking radical actions and taking risks that are not absolutely necessary, as well as reckless and impulsive postures. It is important to communicate well, especially with the person you are romantically related to, because Mercury (the planet of communication) and Venus (the planet of love) are also in this tense Supermoon configuration.
Anyway, the Wesak Festival is an important celebration of the Buddhist calendar, a day when we can connect with the spiritual coming of Buddha to Earth. Rituals and celebrations can be performed, but the essential thing is to meditate and be in the presence of this positive energy, mentalizing your desires and giving thanks. Regardless of your religion, do a meditation that day and take the opportunity to internalize!
