Celebrating The Middle Way

I've been reading about the Buddha today from several sources.

At the Oasia Hotel, there was The Gideon's Bible in the desk drawer, but also a copy in English and Mandarin of "The Teaching of Buddha." I asked and was granted permission to keep the book. Today, Tuesday the 13th of May, is Vesak Day, a national holiday in Singapore that "commemorates the birth and enlightenment of Buddha and his entry into Nirvana," according to the memo provided to us by the OSR management, wanting us to know that there would be no free breakfast or housekeeping service this day. The memo says "Vesak Day is a festival celebrated with great ceremonial ritual by Buddhists all over the world," though not necessarily on this date depending upon which calendar is followed. From online sources I read that more than half the population of Singapore is Buddhist and a reported 8,000 celebrants packed the largest monastery temple for an early candle lit procession over the weekend. Besides prayers and offerings, Buddhists commit acts of generosity, as in gifts to persons in need and giving blood for medical transfusions.

Traditionally, there has been the freeing of caged birds and insects, but these practices are tempered by environmental concerns. (Frankly speaking, we saw a giant roach in the hallway downstairs that sizewise was worthy of mounting in an entomologist's collection.) Another very instructive source of information on Buddhism and a wealth of other local history and events is the two-inch thick Encyclopedia on Singapore, which resides on our living room coffee table. So, on this day of reverence for Buddhists, I am seeking enlightenment as a temporary citizen of this city state. I offer these gems from the Buddha:

"To those who choose the path that leads to Enlightenment, there are two extremes that should be carefully avoided. First, there is the extreme of indulgence in the desires of the body. Second, there is the opposite extreme of ascetic discipline, torturing one's body and mind unreasonably. The Noble Path, that transcends these two extremes and leads to Enlightenment and wisdom and peace of mind, may be called the Middle Way.... Right View, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Behavior, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration."

Thus ends the lesson, grasshoppers! May the Middle Way be the way for us all. Happy Vesak Day!