United in Creating Vesak Peace for the Happiness of All Beings

The celebration of Waisak 2559 BE / 2025 CE at Harapan Bangsa Primary School Modernhill was held on Thursday, May 15, 2025. The Waisak celebration featured various events including “Pindapata”, a Puja procession, a speech from Ms. Neneng Sahwana, the recitation of the Dhammapada scripture, a kindergarten performance of the song and movement “Terima Kasih,” a Dhamma talk (Dhammadesana) by Bhikkhu Abhirato, performances by Buddhist students, an offering of Amisa Puja to the monks, announcement and symbolic donation by Ms. Mediana, a closing prayer, and concluded with a fangsheng ceremony. Before the fangsheng began, Bhikkhu Abhirato recited a prayer followed by the Buddhist students. All students appeared very enthusiastic in participating in the fangsheng.

Ms. Neneng Sahwana, the kindergarten principal, delivered a welcome speech and wished a happy Waisak Day to the Buddhist teachers, staff, and students. She also reminded the teachers and students to practice unity through love and tolerance. Bhikkhu Abhirato delivered a message on the theme of “united in creating Waisak peace for the happiness of all beings.” He explained how to apply unity in the school environment, especially in attitudes towards friends of different religions, ethnicities, and cultures. He also discussed the benefits of practicing kindness toward everyone. Then, Bhikkhu Abhirato led the fangsheng ceremony. Fangsheng is a very important activity since it teaches primary students to practice loving-kindness (metta). The meaning of the fangsheng ceremony is to give happiness to a living being by releasing it back into its natural habitat.

Overall, the Waisak 2559 BE / 2025 celebration went smoothly. All students, teachers, and staff were very cooperative and enthusiastic to participate in this event.