“the day of enlightenment”
VESAK CELEBRATION
May 10, 2009
Happy Vesak
Buddhists from all around the world mark the day the full moon falls in May as “Vesak Day”. It is considered to be the most auspicious day of the year. On this special day Buddhists and non-Buddhists celebrate the birth, the enlightenment and the passing away of Gotama the Buddha.
In 2009, Vesak Day falls on the 8th of May. On this day Buddhists will spend their time in religious observance making an extra special effort to show kindness, compassion and forgiveness.
Regardless whether you are a Buddhist or non-Buddhist my wish is that you will take this day as an opportunity to reflect, meditate and practice random acts of kindness when the chance presents itself.
Buddha is one of the greatest spiritual masters who have graced the planet earth blessing all truth seekers with his timeless wisdom. His noble message has crossed religious, cultural, social and geographical boundaries, and has brought peace and spiritual awakening to hundreds of millions of people for over 2500 years. Even today his message continues to touch, inspire and heal people from around the world.
In 1999, in recognition of the Buddha’s contribution and message to humanity for over 2 ½ centuries, the United Nations declared the full moon day in May as “United Nations Vesak Day”.
Let us all come together in celebration of this auspicious occasion with a greater commitment to exemplify the truth, wisdom and peace spread by the Buddha.