Pandemic no hindrance to realise spirit of Vesak

Given the anti-pandemic operations in place Buddhists wonder whether the inability to perform certain rituals at temples and conduct cultural events would deprive them of merits (Pic AFP) 

With the blissful feeling of Vesak in the air Buddhists are concerned whether they are able to realise the spiritual meaning of the thrice-blessed event because of the pandemic. Given the anti-pandemic operations in place, they wonder whether the inability to perform certain rituals at temples and cultural events will deprive them of merits (pin). 

 
Ven. Godagama Mangala Thera,  the chief incumbent of Rangiri Dambulla Raja Maha Vihare, offers insights for Buddhists during this Vesak season to live up to the true spirit of the event.  The birth of the Buddha is meant for the wellbeing of all beings. 

He said the pandemic had stood in the way of conducting ‘Amisa puja’ which means concentrating on the good virtues of the blessed one. It involves cultural aspects of the Buddha Dhamma such as offering flowers. 
Erection and illumination of pandals , the conduct of Dan Salas ( offering free meals to people) were the norm of Vesak celebrations. But, in Sri Lanka,  such events were not  a reality for three years – twice due to the spread of Covid -19 and once due to security concerns after the  terrorist attack on Easter Sunday. 
However, Ven. Mangala Thera said there is no impediment whatsoever for people to observe Prathipatthi Pooja or the practice of the Dhamrna following the path laid by the Buddha. It involves meditation and learning the Dhamma. 

“In the conduct of Dhana (alms), Seela ( observing precepts)  and Bhavana (meditation), we follow the path laid down by the Buddha. When observing them people mark the thrice-blessed event. We try to achieve certain amount of mindfulness by doing so. We should learn to live by the Dhamma during this period. That is what is needed,” he said.   

"The Buddha always accorded the importance to live according to the conditions of time, land and the environment"

He said, “It is not only Sri Lanka that has been hit by the pandemic. Other countries with a mixture of both Theravada and Mahayana traditions have been affected. We can observe Vesak bearing in mind the   global pandemic situation”.
Buddhahood   was achieved after births spanning over aeons.  That is what we call ‘Dasa Paramita’ or Ten Perfections. 

 Ten Perfections are  Dana – Charity,  Sila – Morality,  Nekkhamma – Renunciation, Panna – Wisdom,  Viriya – Perseverance,  Khanti – Patience,  Sacca – Truthfulness,  Adhitthana – Determination,  Metta - Loving-kindness,  Upekkha – Equanimity, 
Ven. Mangala Thera said  Dasa Paramita is fundamental to Prathipatthi Pooja in Theravada tradition. In Pali,  Parama means the noblest, highest, or most excellent. 
“It is important to engage in some aspects of Dasa paramita during this period for the wellbeing of society,” he said. 

He ruled out the possibility to carry out activities such as thronging temples for Sil observance in groups.  
“During the pandemic we should think of our health.  It is important to maintain social distancing.  The Buddha always accorded the importance to live according to the conditions of time, land and the environment,” he said. 
It is well in line with essence of Buddhism to abstain from activities that lead to the spread of the pandemic.  
After the passing away of the Buddha, Buddhism travelled to various countries and evolved accordingly without any harm to its true meaning.  Ven. Mangala Thera said it is the uniqueness of the Buddhist religion. 
The pandemic will place restrictions on crowds wanting to do Amisa Pooja. But, there is always scope for the realisation of true meaning of Vesak by laying emphasis more on Prathipatti Pooja.