Vesak Day

Vesak Day is a day of prayer. On this day, we celebrate Buddha’s birthday by visiting lots of temples to pray, give thanks, make donations and eat vegetarian food. Amidst the smog of incense and sweltering heat, we try and appreciate the blessings in our lives and pray for the less fortunate (the victims of natural disasters in China and Myanmar).

The lotus flower is closely associated to Buddhism and is often seen as temple offerings or shaped as candles for the alter. My Ikebana teacher recommended the use of white lotus for my home arrangements today as it represents Bodhi, the state of total mental purity and spiritual perfection.