Lanterns light up Buddha birthday celebrations

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alexis Siekert
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  U.S. Armed Service members serving in an Asian country may have noticed the brightly-colored lanterns recently strung throughout the streets. This, similar to the stringing of Christmas lights in December, is in celebration of Buddha's 2,557th birthday May 17.

As part of the celebration, the Chun-Lyong Temple on base will be hosting: a free lotus lantern making class - a traditional Korean Buddhist culture experience - May 9, a lantern parade leading to the temple May 16, and a ceremony at the base temple on his birthday.

"Participating in the events will be a very good experience for United States Air Force members who are interested in getting a feel for the Korean culture and Buddhist celebration on base," said Ki Hak Sunim, Chun-Lyong abbot.

The construction of the lanterns is supposed to be made with a prayer in mind, such as health and happiness for loved ones, he said. The lighting of the lanterns is symbolic to Buddhists as lighting up the darkness allowing for self-reflection and to guide the way to enlightenment.

Unlike a god who is a divine being, Buddha was a man who first reached nirvana, the state of true happiness and awakening. He has served as an idol for thousands of years. Multiple Buddhist religions have branched from his teachings.

Buddha was born as a prince in India under the name Siddhārtha Gautama. While born into a life of privilege, he noticed the sufferings of those around him and renounced his claim to the thrown to live a modest life. Through meditation and self-discipline, he attained enlightenment and was renamed Buddha, which translates to awakened one or enlightened one.

Buddhism, the oldest religion in the Republic of Korea, is practiced by 40 percent of the ROK's population and its practitioners aim to reach nirvana.

"The practice of meditation, bowing and daily life practices are to train ourselves," the abbot explained. "We try to pursue our own happiness and not relying on being saved by a higher entity. One should be responsible for one's own sins and should practice what is right all the time."

In the coming weeks to Buddha's birthday, every major city will be hosting events. To find out more on the Osan events, call the base temple at DSN 777-1262. To see what tours are happening off base through Information Tickets and Travel, call their office at 784-4254.