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call for perseverance, equanimity and the ability to maintain a peaceful heart filled the glittering halls of vihara (temples) across the island as local Buddhists celebrated the Tri Suci Waisak festival on Saturday.

Tri Suci Waisak, which celebrates the birth, the enlightenment and the passing of Buddha into Nirvana, is the most important religious festival in Buddhism.

The celebration at Vihara Buddha Shakyamuni on Jl. Gunung Agung in West Denpasar began early in the morning when Pandita Sutikno Gunawan led the white-clad congregation in the Waisak prayer.

They recited several Paritta (prayers) before listening to the sermon given by the monk, Bhikku Sucirano Thera.

"May our country always be led by capable and worthy individuals who live in accordance with the path of the truth," he said.

In a clear reference to the upcoming July 8 presidential election, Sucirano said the followers of Buddhism should maintain peaceful hearts so the political process would not become marred by violence and resentment.

"We must live and act in ways that will be beneficial for many people," he said.

Moreover, he asked the congregation to face the financial crisis with perseverance and equanimity.

"Control your desire because desire is the very thing that disrupts harmony," he added.

Head of the vihara, Sudiarta Indrajaya said the global financial crisis was a result of human inability to restrain their greed.

"The crisis signifies the fact that a large number of people have abandoned the teachings on living an altruistic and simple life," he said.

At around 11:30 p.m., a solemn silence reigned in the hall as the congregation participated in a joint meditation session.

Thirty minutes later, they walked into the vihara's open yard to perform abyagana, the releasing of hundreds of birds into the sky.

"We release them from the suffering of captivity, this act of compassion is the cornerstone of Buddhism," Sudiarta said.

The Waisak ceremony was preceeded by the Dharma Enlightenment Month.