Vesak isn’t just another public holiday – it’s a day where Buddhists come together to commemorate the Buddha and his teachings, reflecting on the path to enlightenment and spreading love and compassion to all beings. In Singapore, Buddhist centres and temples are celebrating Vesak day as early as May 12th, many with the common theme of universal love and peace. We’ve rounded up some truly unique experiences that are sure to make this Vesak 2024 one to remember. So, whether you’re seeking inner peace or simply looking for a fun-filled day out by yourself, with your friends, and family, we’ve got something for everyone this Vesak.
Here are 6 Uniquely Memorable Vesak 2024 Experiences You Can’t-Miss:
Image credit: Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery Facebook page
1. Three Steps, One Bow Ceremony
Every year, hundreds of Buddhists of different ages would gather at Bright Hill Temple, a.k.a Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, for the “three steps, one bow” ceremony.
It is a timeless tradition where gratitude and repentance intertwine with the power of determination and perseverance. Originating from the strenuous pilgrimages of ancient Buddhist monks, this ceremony has evolved into a meditative practice where devotees circumambulate the temple, bowing once every three steps while chanting mantras or the Buddha’s name. Each bow carries profound reverence not just for the Buddha but also for the boundless wisdom embodied by countless Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
Starting in the evening and concluding at dawn the next day, the ceremony’s duration mirrors the arduous journey towards enlightenment, highlighting the paramount importance of resolve in surmounting challenges. With the breaking dawn marking the ceremony’s culmination, it symbolises the dispelling of ignorance along the path to enlightenment.
Register online or onsite to secure your spot, as tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to two per person, while stocks last.
When: 21 May 2024, 5.30pm – 22 May 2024, 7am
Address: Kong Meng San Phor Kark See
88 Bright Hill Road, Singapore 574117
Starting point: Hall of Great Strength
For more information: Click here
P.S: Can’t get your slot at KMSPKS? You can do the devotional practice at Bukit Gombak Stadium too! KYCL Zen meditation centre too is organising the 3-step, 1-bow ceremony, graced by Minister of Culture, Ms Low Yen Ling on the 21 May (Tues), 6.30pm.
Image Credit: KYCL Zen Meditation Centre, Mass meditation during Vesak day 2023
2. Mass Meditation Blessing For World Peace
As we navigate through turbulent times, Vesak events such as the Mass Meditation Blessing for World Peace organised by KYCL Zen Meditation Centre stand as beacons of hope and unity.
Set against the backdrop of Bukit Gombak Stadium on Sunday, May 19 from 6:30 to 9:30 AM, participants will embark on a journey of inner exploration and communal harmony. New to meditation? Fret not. The session will be guided by esteemed Zen Master Dae Bong and Venerable Chi Boon, with a combination of walking and sitting meditation. Through the practice of collective meditation, attendees can tap into the profound potential within themselves to effect positive change, echoing the timeless wisdom of Vesak to illuminate the path towards a more peaceful and compassionate world.
Do register early to book your slot.
When: 19 May 2024, 6:30 – 9:30 AM
Venue: Bukit Gombak Stadium
800 Bukit Batok West Ave. 5
Singapore 659081
For more information: Click here
Image credit: Palelai Buddhist Temple Facebook page
3. Alms Giving (Pindapata)
Alms-giving is central to the Theravada tradition, where monks rely on lay devotees for daily sustenance and offer teachings in return. In Singapore, this tradition is uniquely upheld by Palelai Buddhist Temple monks, who continue the practice daily at various locations in the Eastern part of Singapore. Here, locals and visitors can partake in the sacred act of giving, fostering generosity, compassion, and spiritual connection. Especially during Vesak, this experience takes on added significance, providing a rare opportunity to engage with Buddhist teachings and the spirit of generosity firsthand.
First time offering alms? Selecting items that fit easily into monks’ alms bowls is ideal. Common offerings include cooked rice, packet drinks, fruits, snack packs, and similar items. As monks in this tradition observe the precept of not possessing money, it’s important to avoid offering cash directly to them. Instead, express your generosity through tangible items or consider making monetary donations at the temple’s office. The lay committee will allocate these funds to support the monks’ daily sustenance as needed.
When: 22 May 2024 (Wed), 8.30 – 9.00am
Venue: Palelai Buddhist Temple
49 Bedok Walk, Singapore 469145
For more information: Click here
Image Credit: https://www.sbm.sg/mindfulblossoms
4. Mindfulness for Kids!
This Vesak Day, Singapore Buddhist Mission and EtonHouse Nature Pre-School bring to you an inaugural Mindful Blossoms event , aiming to promote Mindfulness in children and families via an engaging fusion of play and learn.
The event will be held at EtonHouse Nature Pre-School, a campus nestled in lush nature with, who is passionate about promoting well-being in innovative outdoor spaces to promote learning in nature. Mindful Blossoms will be graced by Guest-of-Honour, Ms Tin Pei Ling, Member of Parliment, who is passionate about promoting well-being in families.
When: 18 May 2024 (Sat), 8:45am to 12:00pm
Venue: EtonHouse Nature Pre-School
718 Mountbatten Rd, Singapore 437738
Sign up here: https://www.sbm.sg/mindfulblossoms
Credits: Baby Blessing at Fo Guang Shan New Zealand
5. Baby Blessing
It is every parent’s wish that their children grow up healthy, wise, and blessed with merit. Fo Guang Shan in Singapore will host the Yulin Prayer Ceremony 【毓麟祈福】 on the weekend before Vesak Day, dedicated to blessing infants aged 5 years and below.
The ceremony, with “Yu” symbolising nurturing and education and “Lin” representing Qilin’er, aims to invoke blessings from Buddha and Bodhisattva for the well-being and protection of every newborn. Through this compassionate act, Fo Guang Shan extends its wishes for a bright and joyful future for all newborns under the loving guidance of enlightened beings.
When: 18 May (Sat), 9am (reporting time)
Venue: Fo Guang Shan
1 Punggol Place, Singapore 828844
More information about the Fo Guang Shan’s Vesak activities : Click here
Credits: Amitabha Buddhist Centre Facebook page
6. Fire Puja
Yamantaka Fire Puja is a revered ceremony of the ancient tradition within Tibetan Buddhism and is known for its transformative power. Held annually at the open space beside Aljunied MRT station, this event is a cornerstone of the Amitabha Buddhist Centre’s Vesak celebration.
The Fire Puja is revered as the king of all pujas due to its unparalleled potency in clearing obstacles on the path to enlightenment. Offering various substances through burning, each item holds specific significance, such as grains for strength, crepe grass for longevity, kusha grass for purification, and butter for wealth. These offerings symbolise different aspects of spiritual growth and success, making the Fire Puja a vital practice for devotees seeking blessings and guidance on their spiritual journey.
This year, devotees and students of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche have the opportunity to honor and pay respects to this remarkable teacher at the Memorial Altar. It’s a time to reflect on and commemorate the profound teachings and legacy he has left behind for generations to come.
When: 19 May (Sun), 7pm
Venue: Aljunied MRT Open Ground
More information about the event: Click here
There are more than 50 Vesak Day activities happening across the island. To explore more, check out the Handful of Leaves’ Buddhist Directory, a Buddhist directory that features events, activities, communities and temples in Singapore and Southeast Asia.
This list is just a starting point for celebrating Vesak Day. The most sincere offering we can make to honour the Buddha is the dedication of our practice.
Consider:
- embracing the 5 or 8 precepts for a day,
- engage in meditation,
- and delve into the reading of the suttas (discourses).
And if you’re new to Buddhism, we invite you to explore the practical teachings that can be applied in your daily life by subscribing to our channels:
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Happy Vesak day!
