Vesak/Wesak in NSW and Sussex

The full moon day of the western calendar's month of May signifies different things to various Buddhists. Most recognize it as theBuddha's birth date, with others additionally accepting it as the date of the Buddha's enlightenment and/or his physical death/passing into nirvana. Whichever major event(s) is/are recognized, many Buddhists celebrate in some way around this time.

When I was living in Wollongong, NSW, Australia, the local Nan Tien Temple had a May festival in the park or the mall commemorating the Buddha's birthday. Sydney also has such an event annually held in Darling Harbor. The Vietnamese temple down the street did not seem to have anything going on and may or may not have celebrated privately rather than publicly.

In Brighton, England, the Wesak Festival lasts from 24th to 30th May and there were events going on including free meditation classes and an open day at the local Buddhist Center. I have not investigated the goings on at the Shambhala or Thai Forest Buddhist communities, as they are also too far from where I live for me to actually attend. Maybe in a few years time, I will be able to travel further and participate.

This year, I decided to hold my own private recognition of the day - which I view as celebrating all three events. With the enlightenment being the key feature, I decided to run my day at home centered on this. A symbolic 36-hour water-only fast, followed by a meal based on rice being the key component, and various reflections, readings, a CD-guided meditation session, and Tibetan Heart Yoga practice all on the agenda.