"Under the full moon of May a pathway opens
between the heavens and the Earth with powerful energy pouting
through it. Many people gather on this night to dedicate an
offering of pure water to the moon and let the light of their
own souls shine as we partake of that mysteriously streaming
energy, and to pray fervently for our spiritual awakening and
that of all other beings. This is the Wesak Festival, a ceremony
of light, water and sacred sound.
The festival is divided in three parts. The first part begins
with a prayer of purification in which the assembled group chants
praise for the deity Mao-son (The Great King of the Conquerors
of Evil descended to Karuma from Venus six million years ago
to guide spiritual evolution of life on Earth) as a means of
cleansing ourselves and the festival site. When the moon approaches
its zenith lamps are lit to symbolize the immaculately pure
spirit that we all have. As the place comes aglow with illuminated
lamps, a golden bowl is filled with pure water and prayers are
offered to the moon. Then the lamps are help aloft to bestow
the eternally strong power of the soul, the “treasure
staff of strength” is received through an incantation,
and everybody, bathed in moonlight partakes of the holy water
and accepts the blessing of pure love into their hearts.
The second part is silent meditation of earnest encouragement
with our heads bowed toward the earth.
In the third part, shortly before dawn, a sacred fire thrusts
up into the sky symbolizing the deep awakening to an authentic
life which shines with the light of wisdom. Finally everyone
joins in chanting a “letter of the spirit” to welcome
the dawn of the newly illuminated soul."
-Handout from Karuma Temple
