By Alex Ginsberg
A 15-foot lantern made of meticulously trimmed white paper stands next to the New York Buddhist Vihara on Spencer Avenue in Queens Village.
The lantern, which was built by the temple's devotees over a three-month period, commemorates the month of Vesak (May). Under the paper surface, which depicts 12 scenes from the life of the Buddha such as his first sermon, a frame of wood and metal slowly rotates the lantern.
According to Buddhist belief, the Buddha was born, experienced enlightenment and died during the month of Vesak.
“It is the holiest time of the year,” said Kottawe Nanda, one of five monks at the Vihara.
Although Buddhist temples abound in Queens, the New York Buddhist Vihara is the only Sri Lankan house of worship for Buddhists in the borough. According to Nanda, the Vihara attracts more than 580 devotees from around the tri-state area.
The holiest day of Vesak takes place when the moon is full. Although that day fell on Friday, May 16, this year, the Vihara held its festivities the following Sunday to accommodate the work schedules of the devotees.
“Since February, what we did was a couple of people would come in the evenings and then work a couple of hours as well as Saturday and Sunday,” said Namal Kuruppu, a devotee who coordinated the construction of the lantern.
Aside from those who helped when they could, there were eight members of the Vihara, including Kuruppu, who worked every day. The team dedicated itself full time during the last few days before May 18 so that the lantern could be completed on time.
Artistic design was handled by another devotee, Don Weeratunga. Kuruppu said it was only the second year that a lantern had been built outside the temple. This year's lantern was more ambitious than last year's, he added, in part because of growing attendance at the Vihara.
Kuruppu urged non-Buddhists to learn about the Vihara's many programs that are open to the general public, including a workshop for those interested in learning meditation.
Reach reporter Alex Ginsberg by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 718-229-0300, Ext. 157.
