This year marks the 2552nd Vesak Day, which commemorates the Birth, Enlightenment and final Nirvana of the Buddha.
For the first time, I participated in the annual 3-Step-1-Bow ceremony held at Kong Meng San Phor Kark See, and I felt this was a more meaningful way to get involved. The process took a little more than 2 hours, and an estimated more than 10,000 took part during the 12 hours.
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About 3-Step-1-Bow
In this ceremony, devotees usually line up before sunrise to meditatively circumambulate the perimeter of the temple, bowing once every three steps, while chanting mantras or the name of the Buddha in praise of Him. Upon every prostration, the Buddha can be visualised to stand before one's palms, which open to receive His teachings. The open palms also symbolise lotuses (our minds) blossoming into purity. (Though lotus flowes' roots are in the "mud of defilements", they blossom untainted.)
Every prostration is thus the paying of respects to the Buddha (or the countless Buddhas and Bodhisattvas). This practice helps to purify the mind, humble the ego and lessen obstacles along the spiritual path as one repents past misdeeds and aspires towards spiritual improvement. With mindfulness of one's body, speech and mind during the practice, concentration and calmness can be attained.
As the ceremony is long, it reminds one of the long and occassionally difficult journey towards Enlightenment. But it also serves to remind us that as long as we are determined, all difficulties can be overcome. Perseverance in completing the practice despite its difficulties also helps to strengthen our faith in the Buddha and His teaching to lead us towards Enlightenment. The break of dawn at the end of the ceremony represents the light of wisdom dispelling the darkness of ignorance as one advances towards Enlightenment.
~Adapted from [Be a Lamp Upon Yourself]
人生是黑白的.
1:40 PM <3
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This year marks the 2552nd Vesak Day, which commemorates the Birth, Enlightenment and final Nirvana of the Buddha.