Monday May 19, 2008

Well today is yet another national holiday. Wesak Day as it is called is a Buddhist holiday which goes to show how diverse Malaysia is. Even though the national religion of the country is Muslim they still recognize other religious groups holidays. Can't wait to see what Christmas is like here! I had to do some research on Wesak Day because neither Jim or I were familiar with it and it wasn't readily advertised like the other holidays ( remember I missed Easter ). Basically it's an opportunity for Buddhists to celebrate the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Guatama Buddha. Devout Buddhists and followers alike are requested and expected to assemble in their various temples before dawn for the ceremonial hoisting of the Buddhist's flag and the singing of hymns in praise of the holy triple gem. The triple gym is similar to Christians trinity: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit except Buddhists recognize their trinity as The Buddha, the Dharma ( his teachings ) and the Sangha ( his disciples ).

They also offer fresh flowers, burn candles and incense as a symbol that these items will burn out life is also subject to decay and destruction. Buddhists are encouraged to consume only a vegetarian diet during Wesak and they also release birds, insects and animals by the thousands as a symbolic act to liberation. We haven't witnesses this act and really I'm ok with that considering my phobia of insects, don't really want to be around thousands of them all at once. From what I can tell everyone is just enjoying the day off from work and I assume the Buddhists are all sitting in temples somewhere dressed in white. They also have a list of commandments similar to our 10 Commandments but they only have 8. They are called the Eight Precepts: 1) Not to kill, 2) Not to steal, 3) Not to engage in improper sexual activity, 4) Not to indulge in wrong speech, 5) Not to take intoxicating drinks and drugs, 6) To abstain from taking food at unreasonable times, 7) To refrain from sensual pleasures such as singing, dancing, self-adornment, 8) To refrain from using high and luxurious seats in order to practice humility. See, quite similar to Christianity although we eat when we want. So there is your lesson in Buddhism for today.

Jim and I are taking it easy. I finally finished hanging all the rest of his dolls and he played golf up at Golf City and did some work online. Right now we are having some cocktails at George's and heading home soon to make dinner and iron some clothes for the week. Happy Wesak Day everyone!!