u/Astalon18

In Malaysia where I grew up, Wesak is an interesting festival in that it is one that celebrated by Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana and also folk Buddhism. The central theme of all four branches for the day is recollection of the Buddha.

Now what does this mean?

In Theravada, the focus is on recollection of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. This is best reflected in the Dhajaggha Sutta https://suttacentral.net/sn11.3/en/bodhi?lang=en&reference=none&highlight=false and the Ratana Sutta https://suttacentral.net/kp6/en/sujato?lang=en&layout=plain&reference=main%2Cbj%2Ccck%2Ccsp%2Cdr%2Ckm%2Clv%2Cmaku%2Cmc%2Cmr%2Cms%2Cndp%2Csi%2Csya%2Cvri%2Ctaisho&notes=asterisk&highlight=false&script=latin where the quality of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha ( but mostly the Buddha for most people ) are recalled upon. The story of the Buddhacarita ( whether you believe them to be literally real or later retelling ) is a great focus.

The benefit of recalling the Buddha of course is freedom from fear. This is something that all branches of Buddhism agrees upon but definitely something that Theravada really affirms too. Recollection of the Buddha removes fear.

Now in Malaysia, a lot of Pure Land association on Wesak Day would recollect the Buddha Amitabha following giving thanks to Shakyamuni Buddha for teaching the Buddha Dharma of the Pure Land. https://www.dharmadrum.org/portal\_d8\_cnt\_page.php?folder\_id=41&cnt\_id=147&up\_page=1. The benefits of recollecting the short Pure Land Sutra is that it connects one to Amitabha Buddha, which on top of ensuring a rebirth in the Pure Land in life reduces fear, reduces agitation, brings about calm, brings about peace.

Now my Tibetan counterparts would often do the Shakyamuni Mantra https://www.wildmind.org/mantras/figures/shakyamuni while recollecting the Buddha’s lifestory. They often agree that this is great antidote against fear, against sadness and against agitation, while also purifying negative karma.

Now folk Buddhist would worship a Buddha on Wesak Day ( ie:- the Buddha statue would often have people pray to the Buddha ). Folk Buddhism agrees that this too is a great antidote against fear but also a time to wish for health. They also recollect the Buddha.

So with this in mind .. I wish all of you freedom from fear and agitation on this day ( both 01/05/2026 and 31/05/2026 ).