- Blessed is the birth of the Buddha;
- blessed is the discourse on the Noble Law;
- blessed is the harmony of the spiritual community;
- blessed is the devotion of those living in brotherhood;
- blessed is the spiritual effort of the united.
- – The Dhammapada.
Since May of 1999, the United Nations (UNO) has declared Vesak, or Buddha Purnima, marking the Birth, Enlightenment and Parinibbana of Buddha, an official international Vesak Day. Vesak is the day, the Buddhist regard as the most important day in their religious calendar. This auspicious day fall on the full moon day during lunar month that corresponds the month of April or May.
In month of May many Buddhist organization and Ambedkarite organizations humbly request to join first official Cyber celebration on Vesak Day-Buddha Poornima. This year most of these organization are planning Cyber Celebration on the occasion of International Vesak Day is an important day for Buddhist communities across the world. This is the first time that all the Buddhist brothers and sisters of different countries will be called together for cyber celebration (online Celebration) Vesak Day-Buddha Poornima.
Cyber celebration mission is to inspire and motivate people to come together as one human family to generate inner peace and create a boundless world landscape of compassion, integrity, harmony, love and peace. In the 21st century CE, it is estimated that over 600 million (9-10% of the world population) people practice Buddhism
It marks the three most important events in Buddha’s life: his birth, Enlightenment and passed away of Nibbana.
Each year, International Vesak Day commemorates to Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.
Vesak Day-Buddha Poornima attract Buddhist practitioners and community members from various ethnic group like Vietnam, Lao, Thai land, Taiwan, Myanmar, Mongolia, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Japan, Korea, Sri Lankan, India, Bangladeshi, Cambodia, Singapore, China, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Canada and America.
In general, Buddha Purnima is celebrated by paying a visit to common Viharas, where Buddhists observe a longer than usual and full-length Buddhist Sutta which is similar to a service. Usually dressed in white attire, Buddhists refrain from eating non-vegetarian food. Keer is considered as one of the most auspicious porridge on this day. The statue of Buddha is placed in a basin filled with water decorated with flowers. People visit Viharas to symbolize this day as a pure and new beginning.
Buddhist teachings provide guidance around non-violent action to work for universal peace throughout the world.
Reporter: Er. Mahesh Wasnik
Automotive Engineer-Detroit,
Michigan USA