Happy Wesak Day

Health, Contentment & Trust are things we often take for granted. We live in a material world. We need money for shelter, food, education, etc. Therefore, in our journey in life, let us not let our lives be dictated by money and wealth. When you are happy with whatever you have, that's contentment.

Trust, sadly is in short supply these days. I've noticed that people, in their pursuit of wealth, are willing to do almost anything. Especially those who have a decent education and job, white-collar workers and professionals. Even with a job and paycheck, they are not contented. Some will cheat, steal, and even betray their families and make use of their friends. Blinded by greed and accustomed to unethical ways, sometimes, they are not even aware that they have committed a crime or offence that could ruin their lives and the lives of those they've wronged. Trust means very little to them. 

Trust is also lacking in business, friendship, and even politics. Trust is abused so often, people have become accustomed to it. What becomes of a society, when trust means so little? Has trust lost it's value in modern times?

Health is the most precious gain and contentment the greatest wealth. A trustworthy person is the best kinsman, Nibbana the highest bliss.

Ārogyaparamā lābhā santuṭṭhiparamaṃ dhanaṃ
Vissāsaparamā ñātī nibbāṇaparamaṃ sukhaṃ.

- Dhammapada Verse 204

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Monks at the Sri Lanka Buddhist temple in Sentul, preparing colourful paper lanterns to hang around the temple grounds during the Wesak celebrations.

Reuse and reduce: Juliet Wong Ming Sze, 10, shows a cut-out plastic bottle made by students of the Buddhist Institute Sunday Dhamma School in Brickfileds to hold lotus candles.

 

A greener, more meaningful event to mark Wesak Day 

SOME Buddhist temples are trying to ensure that this year’s Wesak Day will be a greener event by building their own floats with recycled materials and by not using disposable utensils.

Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple deputy chief monk Rev Siriwimala said Wesak should be a day to focus on Buddha and his teachings.

“Wesak is a day where we commemorate his birth, enlightenment and death but we should also take time to thank Mother Nature for what she has given us.

“We will not play loud music as we want to create a more peaceful environment for devotees,” he said.

The temple decided to cut costs by making the procession floats themselves instead of paying outsiders to construct them.

Read more here: http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Community/2014/05/13/A-greener-more-meaningful-event-Buddhist-devotees-and-monks-take-ecofriendly-measures-to-mark-Wesak/