The Buddhist Hour Radio Broadcast Archives

Vesak is Lord Buddha's birthday. In the local system, it is the full moon in the month in May in our calender.

Over the years, our Centre has celebrated this most important day on the time of the local moon as supplied by the Victorian times on Australian moon charts. Major events of our Centre are celebrated on that day.

At Vesak on 15 May 1995, our Patron, Venerable Ajaan Chanhphy Manivong performing the "Dotting of the Eye" ceremony on the Padmasambhava image at the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.

On that day, Ajarn reminded persons that the Lord Buddha had no Temple when he awakened at Versak with only the Bodhi tree for shade, where he practiced in the forest.

Our 1990 Versak celebration was observed by running a long life puja with chanting.

On the evening of 9 May 1990, a Long Life Puja was performed by Members and friends of the B.D.C.(U)Ltd. under the guidance of our President Mr. Frank T. Carter and Vice President Mr. Roger M. Armitage.

The text used was 'The Sutra of Visualizing The Buddha of Immeasurable Length of Life, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva of the Most Happy World'.

The Buddha when requested by Ananda said that the Sutra may also be entitled 'The Sutra of Purifying Evil Deeds and Being Born in the Presence of the Buddhas.'

The Sutra details the story of Queen Vaidehi of Rajagriha City who having become disgusted with the suffering in the world, requested the Buddha Sakyamuni to 'Teach her how to visualize the Place of Pure Karma'.

The Buddha, after teaching the need to cultivate the three virtues, revealed the 16 point method for Visualizing the Most Happy Land of Amida Buddha.

The students were instructed to apply their minds to the visualization method whilst chanting the Sutra.

Having recited the Sutra for one hour, circumambulation of the Centre's premises was performed followed by circumambulation inside the Meditation Hall using the Mantra 'Namo Amita Fo'.

Through the practice of turning the mind toward the Buddha, under the ideal conditions, wholesome minds are developed and vast merit is accumulated.

The merit thus accumulated was dedicated to our precious Teachers that they may have long life and good health.

Full Moon Meditation Practice

Fifteen Members assembled in the Meditation Hall just prior to the actual time of the full moon, Thursday 10 May 1990, at 0531 hours.

This highly virtuous activity included the chanting, recollection and meditation on the 'Verses on the Asseverations of Truth'.

The visiting Monks were:

Venerable Viriyananda - Box Hill (The Melbourne Thai Buddhist Temple)
Venerable Nandabaro - Noble Park (Wat Buddharangsee)
Venerable Soma - Springvale (Sri Lankan Buddhist Vihara)
Venerable Sovam Sthey - Noble Park (Wat Buddharangsee)
Venerable Somphanh Keomani Vone - Nunawading (Wat Lao Melbourne)
Venerable Sayachak - Nunawading (Wat Lao Melbourne)
Venerable Khemawaro - Box Hill (The Melbourne Thai Buddhist Temple)

The following 'Parits/Suttas' were chanted by the visiting Monks in the Meditation Hall. A tape recording of these was made.

(1) Virtues of Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha
(2) Mangala Sutta
(3) Karaniya Metta Sutta
(4) Bhawatusabba Mangalam
(5) Jaya Piritta

Sangha Dana (food offerings) were made to the seven Monks. After sharing Blessings, the Monks departed the Centre at 1.15 p.m.

A very happy day of great virtue was shared by the Sangha and lay people.

The first Theravada Temple in Australia was established in 2517BE/1973CE on Versak in New South Wales under the patronage of Ven. Ratmalona Somaloka. The arrival of Ven. Gangodawila Soma about a year ago enthused the Sri Lankan Buddhists, resident in Melbourne, to set up the new Vihara, the affairs of which are conducted in a truly democratic manner in keeping with Lord Buddha's Teachings.

A bilingual Newsletter called BODU PUWATH in Sinhalese and English is published by the committee.

B.D.C.(U).Ltd. Members welcomed the opportunity of discussion with Mr. Olcott Gunasekera, President of Dharmavijaya Foundation, 50 Anada Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka, who attended the ceremony.

May this Vihara be a source of inspiration to the people of Australia to learn the Buddha Dhamma.

Versak Celebrations 31 May 1988 (2532 B.E.)

Versak is considered to be an auspicious time by Buddhists throughout the world.

It was on the full moon day in May that the Buddha was born, became Enlightened and passed away more than 2500 years ago.

Members of the B.D.C.(U)Ltd. celebrated Versak in a number of ways.

A prevailing theme of the meditations led by John D. Hughes at this time was the Perfection of Gratitude.

It is very wise for the Dhamma practitioners to cultivate gratitude as this quality makes the students more receptive to the Teachings, and creates the conditions for ease of practice and the strong connections to the Dhamma in the future.

l. Remembrance of kind actions

As part of their practice, Centre Members made lists of seven kind actions that other Members had performed towards them over the past year. This practice allows the receiver to recall the kindness and support that many others have shown and the givers acknowledge their own wholesome actions, which they may have either forgotten or not fully cognated.

2. Visit by Venerable Viriyanando Mahathero

On the evening of Versak, the B.D.C.(U)Ltd. was honoured by the attendance of the Venerable Viriyanando Mahathero. The Venerable was thanked by the Members for his kind actions to many beings and his help to this Centre throughout the past year.

3. Ch'an Quan Yin Pond

A Ch'an Quan Yin pond (see 'Free Press' article - l4th June 1988 at p. 5), was completed shortly before Versak, as part of a developmental program of the Ch'an Academy (the Ch'an Academy is aligned with the B.D.C.(U) Ltd.)

Constructed with the mindfulness of Ch'an Buddhism, the locally quarried rocks of which the pond was built were mindfully laid down one at a time, under the guidance of Meditation Teacher John D. Hughes.

The method of placement could be described as: 'one rock only; one rock only'. B.D.C.(U)Ltd. students were taught to place each rock 'once only' without holding attachment to the final imagined arrangement of the pond.

Quan Yin (Bodhisattva of Compassion Aspect of Buddha) stands facing in a Westerly direction (towards Pure Land) under a brass canopy on the middle of the pond.

The final form of the pond is a natural and uncontrived manifestation of the pure mind of Ch'an.

On the evening of Versak, Centre Members circumambulated the pond three times in the presence of Venerable Viriyanando.

4. Versak Celebrations with Vietnamese Buddhists

Several Centre Members, including Meditation Teacher John D. Hughes, Director of the B.D.C.(U)Ltd. attended the Vietnamese Celebration of Versak at the Collingwood Town Hall on 5th June 1988.

After a speech by the Most Venerable Thich Phuoc Hue, Chairman of the Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation of Australia and New Zealand and President of the Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation of Victoria, there was chanting by lay-women who had taken robes for the day, and the Monks offered incense and light at the altar. Visiting politicians and dignitaries made speeches praising the Vietnamese Community in their new homeland Australia.

At the conclusion of the Ceremony, many pigeons were released by the visitors.

May all beings be well and happy.

Versak Celebration 1987 C.E.

Versak is a very auspicious occasion amongst Buddhists as this is the date that Buddha Sakyamuni was born and also attained Supreme Enlightenment.

It is traditionally held on the day of the full moon in May; where two full moon days occur in that month, it is celebrated on the second.

On 10 May 1987, the Sunday prior to Versak, the Vietnamese Buddhist Association of Victoria (Hoi Phat Giao Viet Nam Tai Victoria) celebrated this occasion in the Collingwood Town Hall, Melbourne, Victoria, with chanting and prayers by the Vietnamese Monks.

After the prayer and chanting, speeches were made by various visiting dignitaries including Mr Peter Spiker, Victorian Government Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Mr Roger Pescott, Victorian Opposition Shadow Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Rev. Thich Tam Phuong, Director of Quang Minh Temple, Sunshine, Victoria and on behalf of the Most Ven. Thich Phuoc Hue, President of Indo-Chinese Refugees, Ven. Thich Huyen Ton, Vice- President of the Vietnamese Buddhist Federation of Australia and New Zealand and Mr John Hughes, President of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.

Following the delivery of speeches, many pigeons were released from cages by Monks and lay people to symbolize liberation of the mind. Lunch was then offered by the Vietnamese Community to all who were present at the Town Hall.

Members prepared for Versak with such activities as:

1. Tidy garden completely. Make it a Heavenly Dharma Garden, desirable and acceptable to the Buddha to walk with ease and view with Blessings.

2. Clean all altars and images completely. Make them desirable and acceptable to the Dharma.

3. Clean house completely. Make it desirable and acceptable for the Sangha.

4. Arrange flowers on altars, offer light and offer incense and offer water and offer perfume. Make them desirable and acceptable for the Guru.

5. Arrange food for Wednesday. Consider taking extra precepts, including no eating after 12 noon.

6. Tidy up Ch'an Academy completely to make it desirable and acceptable to the Ch'an Masters.

7. Arrange texts to be chanted. By the Heavenly Assembly of Bodhisattvas and Devas.

8. Make Dana offerings to Bodhisattvas and Devas and each other and the Centre Teacher.

9. Practice patience (third perfection) for the sake of all sentient beings and your Teacher.

10. Maintain Morality (sila) to guard your future happiness, (maybe 8 precepts).

11. In General--Act as if you wish that a Dharma Teaching Buddha with His Sangha was to visit here at Versak. So clean the ground (of the Heavenly Dharma Garden, of the Temples and of your minds), so that Buddha may feel welcome to visit.

Practice Amity (friendliness).

On the eve of Versak, 12 May 1987, members of B.D.C.(U)Ltd. were honoured with a visit by Sandup Tsering from Tara Institute, East Brighton, Melbourne. Sandup is the translator of the Teachings given by the Venerable Geshe Doga at Tara Institute.

Members of B.D.C.(U)Ltd. who celebrated Versak at the Centre were honoured with the presence of Venerable Dr. Viriyanando from the Melbourne Thai Buddhist Temple, Box Hill. The Venerable chanted in Pali the Mangala Sutta and guided members present in Meditation.

That evening John D. Hughes guided Meditation and Committee Member Leonard Armitage donated a Tibetan Thangka to the B.D.C.(U)Ltd. Leonard also presented members with Maitreya Mantras to commemorate Versak.

On Vaishak (Versak), the full moon day on 22nd May, 1983, members of B.D.C.(Upwey) celebrated the birth, enlightenment and parinibbana of the Buddha at the Centre. About ten students from the Centre practiced mindfulness whilst cleaning the altars and polishing the images.

Members celebrated vesak (versak) at the Centre over three days in May 1992. On Friday 15 May 1992, a set of Tipitaka in the English language was officially installed on a specially prepared bookcase on the wall near the main altar. During the day, the Meditation Hall and premises were cleaned and the altars decorated with offerings. In the evening, Venerable Dr.Viriyananda Mahathera, Bhante Kassapa, Venerable Soma, Venerable Dhammagavesi, Venerable Dhammadharo and Venerable Thich Thien Tam arranged chanting of blessings.

Versak is the name of a month on the lunar calender that was used over 2500 years ago.

It is a matter of record that Buddha awoke to full knowledge under the full moon in the lunar month of versak under the Bodhi Tree, a member of the fig family of trees.

Buddha passed away at another full moon in the month of Versak.

Accordingly, throughout the Buddhist world, millions of persons hold special remembrance services on the full moon in May.

Our Centre has developed a Versak world culture where we extend our regular practice and extend our practice so we are sitting in meditation at that full moon time with the millions of persons in different lands.

The result of practice is refreshing and healthful and something you would hardly believe unless you have to experienced it for yourself.

The real benefits of this observance explain why this practice continues to last over 2500 years.

Last week, our Teacher contacted a Venerable Monk who was born in Sri Lanka and has a Temple in Melbourne.

Bhante Soma Mahathero had his....... birthday last week.

This Monk and his followers are building a Temple in Victoria to international standards, so it should continue on long after he passes away.

We wish this Monk long life and good health so he can continue to inspire many persons.

And......how do we observe? .....not be singing happy birthday or happy death day ...........but by chanting the triple gem.

At Versak, 1955 C.E., evidence suggests that there were only two Noble persons in Australia. Today, it is of consequence, for the well being of many, that there are several persons living in Australia who have attained that true mark of Buddha Dhamma, (Dhamma Eye). That is, they have attained stream entry access (sotopan) or better.

Generally, these events were held to have occurred on the full moon in the lunar month Versak. Probably Lord Buddha was born in 528 BC.

When John awoke at Vesak 1955 it was not too early or too late for him to develop the resources and skills needed to help persons find the Buddhist Path.
He set off to sit at the feet of great religious Teachers of the day to learn from them. They taught him a lot but none of them really knew the causes of human suffering and how it could be overcome. Eventually, after 6 years Study and Meditation (bhavana) he had an experience in which all ignorance fell away.

He certainly understood, from that day on the Vesak Full Moon, hehad a feeling that his mind was empty and clear which gave him some sort of wisdom.

The clear mind helped him to fight with the future and the past and now. He knew ahead of time what is going to happen. He was called the Buddha, the Awakened One. He lived for another 45 years. During that time, he travelled to Northern India teaching others what he had discovered. His compassion was legendary and He made thousands of followers. In his 80th year, he was old and sick but still happy and at peace, he finally passed away.

Versak Ethnic Radio Broadcast

On 10 May, 1980, members of this Centre recorded Pali chanting at Ethnic Radio Station 3EA. Zarna Somaia read a sutta in the Hindi language. This recording was played by 3EA on the morning of Versak, 29th May 1980. An evening Puja was performed at the Centre.

B.D.C. (U) Ltd. Vesak Observance

Vesak, or Visakha Puja, the day of Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and para Nirvana, was celebrated at B.D.C.(U). on 4 and 5 May, 1985 C.E. The ceremony began on the evening of the 4th. Meditation was guided by the resident Meditation Teacher, John D. Hughes. The theme of the Meditation was to access the energy of the Sangha at the time of the Buddha's Assemblies and ultimately to access the highest, most profound Dharma. (Lokuttara Dhamma)

Lokuttara (Pali) is 'Transcendental. The highest of the world, Sublime', compared with Lokiya (Pali) which is 'Belonging to the world i.e. widely known'.

The celebrations continued on the morning of Sunday 5 May. Preparation began for the placement of the new Dharma Wheel, sculptured by Martin Lawless.

Although the Dharma Cakka (Wheel) has been to depict the doctrine in general, it primarily stood for the first sermon of the Buddha. It stated that the Buddha delivered the 'Dharma Cakka Pavattana Sutta' to the group of five Monks at the Deer Park at Baranasi. In early art, this incident is illustrated by a Wheel flanked by a pair of deer.

The Dharma Wheel, the ever moving Wheel of Law, is the most prominent symbol of the Buddhists. The turning of the Wheel of Law in Buddhism has the sense of Realising (pativedha nana) and Proclaiming the Truth (desana nana). The Wheel signifies concepts such as the cycle of births (Samsara or bhava) in close association with the doctrine of Dependent Origination. The eight spokes of the Wheel represent the Noble Eightfold Path, being:

1. Right Understanding (samma ditthi)
2. Right Purpose (samma sankappa)
3. Right Speech (samma vaca)
4. Right Bodily Action (samma kammanta)
5. Right Livelihood (samma ajiva)
6. Right Endeavour (samma vayama)
7. Right Mindfulness (samma sati)
8. Right Concentration (samma samadhi)

In order to ensure a minimum of harm while the hole was being dug, Loving Kindness was sent to the animals and Nagas dwelling in the area. Offerings of flowers, perfume and incense were made around the area to help preserve and protect the Dharma Wheel. Any insects on the Wheel were gently removed before it was moved and placed in the hole.

The Mangala Sutta was chanted, in Pali, by Martin Lawless, a Committee Member of B.D.C.(U)., to call Devas to protect the Wheel.

Chanting is a feature of Apotropaic Buddhism. 'Apotropaion' is a technical term derived from Greek, which means any amulet or supposed charm against evil influences. Apotropaic therefore indicates averting evil; of or pertaining to an apotropaion.

The Wheel was placed to face east, signifying the direction of Buddha's Birthplace. A Tibetan gong was struck as the Wheel was placed into the ground, inviting any Celestial beings wishing to view the ceremony. The soil was carefully placed back into the hole to provide new homes for any animal beings.

Vesak 1982

Members of the B.D.C. (Upwey) celebrated Vesak on Saturday, 8th May, by taking 8 precepts and practicing mindful action throughout the day. Achaan Lee's book, "Keeping the Breath in Mind", translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu, (copies sent to this Centre by him) was read in full by some students during the afternoon.

0n Sunday, 9th May, the Buddhist Society of Victoria celebrated Vesak as an open day at Buddhist House and the Sri Lankan community provided food for over 200 people who attended. A number of recorded talks were played and walking meditation and Metta meditation was practiced throughout the day. Several members of B.D.C. (Upwey) attended.

Vesak Service l6th May, 1981 (2525) at Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.

A Vesak Service was held at the Centre on l6th May 1981 for members. Buddhists through the world view Vesak as a time to pay homage to the Buddha and especially the most recent Buddha. Going back into the distant past of the universe which has appeared and disintegrated in much earlier times, the Buddha came across innumerable periods of earlier Buddhas and some Buddhists pay their homage in veneration of the known 28 Buddhas. If the very long past is considered, it is clear that the Buddhas are infinite in number. In time to come future Buddhas will appear. All these Buddhas are respected in the sense that they taught the same teaching of how to attain the peace of Nirvana. In other words, they taught the Path that leads to no more rebirth.

Another common practice among Buddhists at Vesak is to make offerings of light, flowers, perfumed smoke, etc. Another practice is to chant. Buddhists understand clearly the idea of these offerings and recitals by devotees is not to please the Buddhas but to please themselves. The notion behind generosity is to remove the quality of greed within the devotee. However, Buddhists should not satisfy themselves by simply offering something in the name of the Buddha or merely reciting some verses of Suttas and think that their duty is done and completed. To become good Buddhists they have to do something more: that is to correct themselves by following the advice given by the Buddha. One should not think that by just offering something to the Buddha one's sins could be "washed off." (From Handbook of Buddhists by Ven. K. Dhammananda Nayaka Thera).

The Centre's practice comprised an English language reading of the UPALI SUTTANTA (Majjhima - Nikaya No 56), and Pali language readings of the MANGALA SUTTA and DHAMMAPALA, FIRST CHAPTER, TWIN VERSES. Pali and English Chanting was followed by Dhamma talks by John Hughes and John Mahoney. Meditation followed.

Vesak Service l7th May 1981 at Buddhist Society of Victoria

The Vesak Service at Buddhist Society of Victoria was conducted by Ven. Shanti Bhadra and attended by many Sri Lankans in their traditional white Uposatha attire. Members of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. attended and took 8 precepts. Sri Lankan people generously provided the food.

The Vesak Full Moon commemorates many important events in the dispensation of the Buddha: for Sri Lankan people, including:

1. In the eight year of His Enlightenment the Buddha visited Kelaniya, a town in Sri Lanka (Ceylon), and also made the imprint of His sacred foot on the crest of Sri Lanka.
2. The Buddha visited Sri Lanka for the third time and consecrated sixteen sacred shrines.
3. King Devanampiyatissa performed a second consecration when he received the five ensigns of royalty from Emperor Asoka of India.
4. The inauguration of work in connection with the construction of Ruvanveli Dagaba in Anuradhapura.

The Observance Day (Uposatha or Poya Day) relates to the day preceding four stages of the moon's waxing and waning viz lst, 8th, l5th and 23rd nights of the lunar months. The Buddhist calendarical systems included twelve lunar months. In Sinhala these months are known as:

For example, on 20 May 1951, Marie Byles together with the practitioners located in Sydney commemorated Vesak which was considered a unique event as this was the first Vesak to be celebrated by a group of non-Asian Australians; however such ritual did not aid the movement of Buddha Dhamma. In November 1951, lectures held on Burmese meditation through Buddhism at Melbourne University coalesced the interest of a number of people in the Len Bullen's old network of friends. Len Bullen operated a small correspondence School about Buddha Dhamma.

One Christian writer, who is a Catholic, wrote a long article on Vesak day in the newspaper. He said, 'I really cannot understand why Christians are reluctant to respect the Buddha when you study the services he has rendered towards mankind for more than 45 years. Why can't they appreciate the services rendered by that great man. If they can respect all the others like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, why can't they respect the Buddha'. We have to think without bias.

ACTIVITIES FOR VESAK 1994

1) Offer food at 11am to Monks.

2) Ring up Buddhist Centres in Australia and overseas and wish them blessings for Vesak.

3) Ring up the Prime Minister and wish him blessings for Vesak.

4) Ring up Members and wish them blessings for Vesak.

5) Send blessings for Vesak by fax to Buddhist Centres overseas and in Australia.

6) Send blessings for Vesak by telephone or fax to His Holiness to Dalai Lama.

7) Send blessings for Vesak by fax to Master Seun Sahn (he is currently in Australia, find out where he is staying).

8) Send blessings for Vesak by modem to Buddhist Organisations in Australia and overseas.

9) Compile a list of telephone numbers, fax numbers and modem numbers of Buddhist Organisations and other organisations as a reference for the future.

10) Prepare a letter of introduction which can be used to introduce this Centre to other organisations for when we have our Buddhist Library on line and ready to transmit and receive.

11) Offer flowers, incense, food, liquid and any suitable offerings to the Buddha on your altar and to your Teacher.

12) Set a date for when you will have a modem installed and operating from your home.

Visitors are invited to attend our Centre this Versak.

May all beings be well and happy.

This script was written and edited by John D. Hughes and Leanne Eames.

Disclaimer:

As we, the Chan Academy Australia, Chan Academy being a registered business name of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd., do not control the actions of our service providers from time to time, make no warranty as to the continuous operation of our website(s). Also, we make no assertion as to the veracity of any of the information included in any of the links with our websites, or another source accessed through our website(s).

Accordingly, we accept no liability to any user or subsequent third party, either expressed or implied, whether or not caused by error or omission on either our part, or a member, employee or other person associated with the Chan Academy Australia (Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.)

This Radio Script is for Free Distribution. It contains Buddha Dhamma material and is provided for the purpose of research and study.

Permission is given to make printouts of this publication for FREE DISTRIBUTION ONLY. Please keep it in a clean place.

"The gift of Dhamma excels all other gifts".

For more information, contact the Centre or better still, come and visit us.

© 2002. Copyright. The Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.