SINGAPORE – More than 800 devotees, young and old, gathered on video-conferencing platform Zoom to meditate on Vesak Day (May 26), in a “Great Metta Sit” that sent thoughts of love and kindness to all living beings in the world.
It is the first time the Singapore Buddhist Mission is holding such a mass online meditation session to mark Vesak Day, which commemorates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing
The event was organised by youths between 15 and 35, and included an online concert, starring more than 10 Buddhist musicians here and abroad.
Its theme, “OneMettaApart”, was a word play on the “one metre apart” social distancing refrain and “Metta”, which is a form of meditation. It was a nod to the pandemic, which has forced physical celebrations of Vesak Day online for the second consecutive year.
Around Singapore on Wednesday, Buddhist temples livestreamed their Vesak Day ceremonies to avoid having thousands congregating at the same time.
But unlike last year when Vesak Day took place during the circuit breaker, temples stayed open for people to offer their prayers. For instance, the Singapore Buddhist Lodge in River Valley opened to devotees only after 12.30pm, after Vesak ceremonies led by monks had concluded.
Other temples opened slots for booking by devotees to keep to the maximum capacity of 50 people.
Traditionally, Buddhists visit temples on Vesak Day for rituals like chanting, three-step-one-bow and bathing of the Buddha statue, or take part in retreats. With more than a million adherents here, Buddhism is Singapore’s largest religion, practised by more than 30 per cent of the population.
The rituals also include a light transference ceremony where devotees carry lighted candles while chanting the name of Buddha. At Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, the country’s largest monastery, this has been postponed.
It livestreamed to devotees the other highlight, the bathing of Prince Siddhartha, where perfumed water is poured over the young Buddha to signify his birth.
Ms Amy Tong, 35, who participated in the Singapore Buddhist Mission’s (SBM) celebrations from her home, said she was “touched to tears” even though she could not physically be with other devotees.
“Thanks to technology, we are still able to come together,” added Ms Tong, who works in the banking industry. “I could feel their passion through the screen.”
A Burmese devotee, who wanted to be known only as Ms Tun, said her and her family stayed home this year, “as there is nothing important that can be done at a temple that can’t be done at home”.
The 39-year-old homemaker would usually go to Satipatthana Meditation Centre in Sembawang on Vesak Day.
“The situation can’t be helped… We miss seeing friends at the temple and the food,” she said.
Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam, who participated in SBM’s “Great Metta Sit”, said in an opening speech that the online Vesak Day celebrations this year do not change the essence of the way of Buddha.
“Doing of good deeds, reflecting on teachings of the venerable Buddha, spreading the message of peace, love and kindness. Those remain unchanged,” he said.
Wishing all devotees a blessed Vesak Day, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong noted that while some temples are open this year, Covid-19 precautions remain in place for safety.
“Even if you can’t visit a temple, I hope you continue to practise the virtues of Buddha: kindness, patience, generosity and compassion,” he said. “This is something the world needs more of, especially during this pandemic.”
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