WESAK MESSAGE 2026 FROM BHANTE MAHINDA

SUKHO BUDDHĀNAṂ UPPĀDO!

Happy is the birth of all Buddhas!

Wesak is that time of the year when we recall the birth, enlightenment and the great passing away, or Mahā- Parinibbāna, of the Buddha. These three important events are significant to our own lives, as they teach us how to live a peaceful way of life and to realise our full potential. It is also the time for us to draw inspiration from the life of the Buddha and to aspire to gain our true freedom by walking in the footsteps of the Buddha.

The true significance of Wesak lies in the universal peace message of the Buddha, which shows us how to overcome the tendencies of greed, hatred and delusion —the root causes of all human problems and challenges in the world today.

Living in these challenging times, where uncertainties caused by wars, global tensions, natural and man-made disasters and social instability, we need to seek refuge in the Buddha Dhamma Sangha so as to receive their blessings, guidance and protection.

Those who have faith and devotion to the Buddha will naturally find solace in times of need. Those who have developed insights into the Dhamma will have greater awareness and acceptance of the ups and downs of life. Those who connect with the Sangha will receive the necessary guidance and inspiration along the path.

Prayers alone are not enough. We need to commit ourselves to the Dhamma to bring about real transformation in our lives. It is through positive transformation that the seeds of enlightenment will be sown in our hearts.

In order to gain true freedom and enlightenment, we need to develop two things: merits and wisdom. The Buddha developed all kinds of merits through the perfection of virtues—the Dasa Pāramī—such as generosity, morality, renunciation, wisdom, effort, patience, truthfulness, determination, loving-kindness, and equanimity.

Besides developing merits through the cultivation of the ten perfections, the Buddha also showed us how to cultivate wisdom through the development and purification of the mind.

This is clearly expounded in the Noble Eightfold Path, which can be understood in terms of Sīla—precepts or good conduct, Samādhi—concentration, and Paññā — wisdom. The aim is to purify our body, speech and mind from the unskilful tendencies of greed, hatred and delusion.

As we celebrate Wesak, bring to mind that there are two kinds of offerings or Pūjā to commemorate the thrice sacred day. There is Āmisa Pūjā—the offering of lights, incense, flowers and other material offerings. And there is Paṭipatti Pūjā—the offering of practice. While merit-making activities such as offering lights, alms food to the Sangha, and observing precepts are valuable, we must not lose focus on the real reason for such practices: to provide the right supporting conditions for us to develop wisdom and insight into the true meaning and purpose of our lives. The best way to honour the Buddha is not merely through external offerings, but through the cultivation of our own minds.

Let us recall the great virtues and qualities of the Buddha and aspire to transform ourselves by nurturing the innate goodness within, for the welfare and happiness of the many. Let us radiate mettā (lovingkindness) and extend goodwill to all.

Wars and other man-made and natural disasters are beyond our individual control. But what is within our control is our own minds. It is important for us to turn within to control our own minds through the systematic cultivation of Samatha-Vipassanā (calmness and insight) and sow the seed of enlightenment.

Through the cultivation of calmness and insight, you will sharpen your awareness. This will lead to the realisation that whatever is of the nature to arise is also of the nature to cease. The way is open for you to experience the true nature of your own mind—empty, clear and blissful. In turn, that will enable you to maintain equanimity, going beyond the eight worldly conditions of profit and loss, praise and blame, fame and ill fame, happiness and sorrow. That is how we will be able to maintain true peace and harmony within ourselves, amidst whatever turmoil may arise in the world.

On this auspicious occasion, let us extend our goodwill to all and pray: May all suffering beings be free from suffering. May all those in sorrow be free from sorrow. May all those in fear and danger be free from fear and danger.

May all beings be well and happy.

Happy Wesak to all! Sādhu, sādhu, sādhu.