#Vesak Moon

[vesakday]

Commemoration of International Day of Vesak 2024.

The General Assembly, by its resolution 54/115 of 1999, recognized internationally the Day of Vesak to acknowledge the contribution that Buddhism, one of the oldest religions in the world, has made for over two and a half millennia and continues to make to the spirituality of humanity. This day is commemorated annually at the UN Headquarters and other UN offices, in consultation with the relevant UN offices and with permanent missions.

Watch the Commemoration of International Day of Vesak 2024!

[murderousink23]

05/16/2023 is National Biographer's Day 🇺🇲, National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day 🇺🇲, National Love a Tree Day 🌳🇺🇲, National Piercing Day 🇺🇲, National Sea Monkey Day 🇺🇲, National Mimosa Day 🇺🇲, National Smile Month 🙂🇬🇧, Vesak, The Day of the Full Moon 🌕🇺🇳, International Day of Living Together in Peace 🇺🇳

[divinum-pacis]

Buddhist monks, in saffron robes, line up to receive alms at a Vesak celebration at Praseth Leu pagoda, northwest of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Hundreds of Buddhist monks and residents gathered to mark Vesak, known locally as Visak Bochea, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar, which marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha on the day of the full moon in May. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

[raffaellopalandri]

Happy Vesak!

Today is Vesak, let’s celebrate it!! Today we Buddhist celebrate Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and mahaparinirvana on what is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world. Image taken on Internet On this day, the Day of the Full Moon in the month of May, two and a half millennia ago, in the year 623 B.C., Buddha was born. It was also on this that He attained enlightenment,…

[mahayanapilgrim]

Happy Saga Dawa Düchen

The 'Festival of Vaishakha' (Saga Dawa Düchen) is celebrated today.

It is one of the Four Major Buddhist Holidays (The 'Festival of Miracles', The 'Festival of Vaishakha', The 'Festival of Turning the Wheel of Dharma', The 'Festival of the Descent from Heaven').

Saga Dawa Düchen celebrates the birth, enlightenment (nirvana) and mahaparinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni. In other Buddhist traditions, it is known as Vesak or "Buddha Day".

The Buddha was born in Lumbini, reached enlightenment at the age of 35 underneath a Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya. He passed away and reached mahaparinirvana at the town of Kushinagara at the age of eighty.

Saga Dawa Düchen is celebrated on the full moon day on the fifteenth day of the fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar.

More information about the Four Major Buddhist Holidays:

https://thestupa.com/culture-history/the-four-major-buddhist-holidays/

[buddhismnow]

Happy Buddha day everyone.

Happy Buddha day everyone. https://wp.me/pFy3u-8Ao

Vesak or Vesak celebrates the Buddha’s birthday, awakening, and Paranirvana (death), on first full moon of May (Visakha Puja).

[lineologyglobal]

Buddha Purnima 2023: The Significance of the Day

What exactly is Buddha Purnima? Buddha Purnima, commonly known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti, is the most important day for Buddhists. It commemorates Gautama Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death.

When is Buddha Purnima celebrated? Budh Purnima is observed on a full moon day in the month of Vaisakha and occurs on May 5th this year. Buddha Purnima is observed by Buddhists to commemorate Buddha’s teachings of compassion, nonviolence, and peace. It is a day to ponder his life and teachings, as well as to strive for inner peace and harmony. Who exactly is Gautama Buddha?

King Suddhodana gave birth to Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddartha Gautama. Around the fifth century BCE, Lord Buddha was born in Lumbini.

To known more just visit : Buddha Purnima 2023: The Significance of the Day

[radical-revolution]

"Vesak" - May 5, 2023, The Full Moon Day of May - The Buddha's birthday, enlightenment day and the day he passed into 'Pari-Nibbana' his final day on earth.

The significance of Vesak lies with the Buddha and his universal peace message to mankind.

As we recall the Buddha and his Enlightenment, we are immediately reminded of the unique and most profound knowledge and insight which arose in him on the night of his Enlightenment. This coincided with three important events which took place, corresponding to the three watches or periods of the night.

During the first watch of the night, when his mind was calm, clear and purified, light arose in him, knowledge and insight arose. He saw his previous lives, at first one, then two, three up to five, then multiples of them .. . ten, twenty, thirty to fifty. Then 100, 1000 and so on.... As he went on with his practice, during the second watch of the night, he saw how beings die and are reborn, depending on their Karma, how they disappear and reappear from one form to another, from one plane of existence to another.

Then during the final watch of the night, he saw the arising and cessation of all phenomena, mental and physical. He saw how things arose dependent on causes and conditions. This led him to perceive the arising and cessation of suffering and all forms of unsatisfactoriness paving the way for the eradication of all taints of cravings. With the complete cessation of craving, his mind was completely liberated. He attained to Full Enlightenment. The realization dawned in him together with all psychic powers.

This wisdom and light that flashed and radiated under the historic Bodhi Tree at Buddha Gaya in the district of Bihar in Northern India, more than 2500 years ago, is of great significance to human destiny. It illuminated the way by which mankind could cross, from a world of superstition, or hatred and fear, to a new world of light, of true love and happiness.

The heart of the Teachings of the Buddha is contained in the teachings of the Four Noble Truths, namely,

The Noble Truth of Dukkha or suffering

The Origin or Cause of suffering

The End or Cessation of suffering

the Path which leads to the cessation of all sufferings

The First Noble Truth is the Truth of Dukkha which has been generally translated as 'suffering'. But the term Dukkha, which represents the Buddha's view of life and the world, has a deeper philosophical meaning. Birth, old age, sickness and death are universal. All beings are subject to this unsatisfactoriness. Separation from beloved ones and pleasant conditions, association with unpleasant persons and conditions, and not getting what one desires - these are also sources of suffering and unsatisfactoriness. The Buddha summarizes Dukkha in what is known as the Five Grasping Aggregates.

Herein, lies the deeper philosophical meaning of Dukkha for it encompasses the whole state of being or existence.

Our life or the whole process of living is seen as a flux of energy comprising of the Five aggregates, namely the Aggregate of Form or the Physical process, Feeling, Perception, Mental Formation, and Consciousness. These are usually classified as mental and physical processes, which are constantly in a state of flux or change.

When we train our minds to observe the functioning of mental and physical processes we will realize the true nature of our lives. We will see how it is subject to change and unsatisfactoriness. And as such, there is no real substance or entity or Self which we can cling to as 'I', 'my' or 'mine'.

When we become aware of the unsatisfactory nature of life, we would naturally want to get out from such a state. It is at this point that we begin to seriously question ourselves about the meaning and purpose of life. This will lead us to seek the Truth with regards to the true nature of existence and the knowledge to overcome unsatisfactoriness.

From the Buddhist point of view, therefore, the purpose of life is to put an end to suffering and all other forms of unsatisfactoriness - to realise peace and real happiness. Such is the significance of the understanding and the realization of the First Noble Truth.

The Second Noble Truth explains the Origin or Cause of suffering. Tanha or craving is the universal cause of suffering. It includes not only desire for sensual pleasures, wealth and power, but also attachment to ideas', views, opinions, concepts, and beliefs. It is the lust for flesh, the lust for continued existence (or externalism) in the sensual realms of existence, as well as the realms of form and the formless realms. And there is also the lust and craving for non-existence (or nihilism). These are all different Forms of selfishness, desiring things for oneself, even at the expense of others.

Not realizing the true nature of one's Self, one clings to things which are impermanent, changeable and perishable. The failure to satisfy one's desires through these things; causes disappointment and suffering.

Craving is a powerful mental force present in all of us. It is the root cause of our sufferings. It is this craving which binds us in Samsara - the repeated cycle of birth and` death.

The Third Noble Truth points to the cessation of suffering. Where there is no craving, there is no becoming, no rebirth. Where there is no rebirth, there is no decay. no, old age, no death, hence no suffering. That is how suffering is ended, once and for all.

The Fourth Noble Truth explains the Path or the Way which leads to the cessation of suffering. It is called the Noble Eightfold Path

.

The Noble Eightfold path avoids the extremes of self-indulgence on one hand and self-torture on the other. It consists of Right Understanding, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration.

These path factors may be summarized into 3 stages of training, involving morality, mental culture and wisdom.

Morality or good conduct is the avoidance of evil or unwholesome actions -- actions which are tainted by greed, hatred and delusion; and the performance of the good or wholesome actions, - actions which are free from greed, hatred and delusion, but motivated by liberality, loving-kindness and wisdom.

The function of good conduct or moral restraint is to free one's mind from remorse (or guilty conscience). The mind that is free from remorse (or guilt) is naturally calm and tranquil, and ready for concentration with awareness.

The concentrated and cultured mind is a contemplative and analytical mind. It is capable of seeing cause and effect, and the true nature of existence, thus paving the way for wisdom and insight.

Wisdom in the Buddhist context, is the realization of the fundamental truths of life, basically the Four Noble Truths. The understanding of the Four Noble Truths provide us with a proper sense of purpose and direction in life. They form the basis of problem-solving.

The message of the Buddha stands today as unaffected by time and the expansion of knowledge as when they were first enunciated.

No matter to what lengths increased scientific knowledge can extend man's mental horizon, there is room for the acceptance and assimilation for further discovery within - the framework of the teachings of the Buddha.

The teaching of the Buddha is open to all to see and judge for themselves. The universality of the teachings of the Buddha has led one of the world's greatest scientists, Albert Einstein to declare that 'if there is any religion that could cope with modern scientific needs, it would be Buddhism’

The teaching of the Buddha became a great civilizing force wherever it went. It appeals to reason and freedom of thought, recognizing the dignity and potentiality of the human mind. It calls for equality, fraternity and understanding, exhorting its followers to avoid evil, to do good and to purify their minds.

Realizing the transient nature of life and all worldly phenomena, the Buddha has advised us to work out our deliverance with heedfulness, as 'heedfulness is the path to the deathless'.

His clear and profound teachings on the cultivation of heedfulness otherwise known as Satipatthana or the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, is the path for the purification of beings - for the overcoming of sorrows and lamentation, for the destruction of all mental and physical sufferings, for the attainment of insight and knowledge and for the realization of Nibbana. This has been verified by his disciples. It is therefore a path, a technique which may be verified by all irrespective of caste, color or creed.

- Venerable Mahinda

…🙏🏻

[eclecticsuitcoffee]

Buddha Purnima

Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak, is one of the most important festivals in Buddhism. It is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of May and marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. 

Happy Buddha Purnima

[mysticwizardglitter]

Sri Lanka’s Best Festivals and Events to Experience

Sri Lanka is a land of vibrant culture, rich history, and diverse traditions, all of which are beautifully showcased in its many festivals and events. Whether you're looking for things to do in Colombo or seeking to immerse yourself in the unique customs of the island, the various festivals in Sri Lanka offer a glimpse into the heart and soul of this fascinating country. From religious celebrations to cultural festivals, the island nation offers a multitude of experiences that captivate both locals and visitors alike. Here, we explore some of the best festivals and events in Sri Lanka, offering a comprehensive guide to its rich cultural heritage.

1. Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Aluth Avurudda)

One of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in Sri Lanka is the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, known as Aluth Avurudda. This festival, which marks the end of the harvest season, usually falls in mid-April. It is a time for family reunions, traditional games, and delicious feasts. Homes are cleaned and decorated, and various rituals are performed to usher in prosperity and good fortune for the new year. The celebrations are particularly vibrant in rural areas, where age-old customs are observed with great enthusiasm.

2. Vesak Festival

Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima, is a major Buddhist festival that commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. Celebrated on the full moon day of May, Vesak is marked by elaborate decorations, illuminated lanterns, and colorful processions. Temples across the country hold special ceremonies, and devotees engage in acts of charity and kindness. The streets of Colombo come alive with Vesak pandals, large structures adorned with scenes from Buddha's life, making it one of the top things to do in Colombo during this festive period.

3. Kandy Esala Perahera

The Kandy Esala Perahera is one of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular cultural events. Held in July or August in the city of Kandy, this grand procession honors the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha, housed in the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa). The ten-day festival features elaborately decorated elephants, traditional dancers, drummers, and fire performers. The highlight is the majestic Maligawa Tusker, carrying the golden casket containing the relic. The Kandy Esala Perahera is a must-see for anyone interested in experiencing Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage.

4. Nallur Festival

The Nallur Festival, held in Jaffna, is one of the most important Hindu festivals in Sri Lanka. Celebrated at the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, this 25-day festival takes place in August and includes a series of colorful and vibrant processions. Devotees engage in various rituals, including kavadi (carrying decorated structures) and fire-walking, to show their devotion to Lord Murugan. The festival attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists, making it a significant cultural event in the northern region of Sri Lanka.

5. Duruthu Perahera

Duruthu Perahera marks the beginning of the Buddhist calendar year and is celebrated in January at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, near Colombo. This event commemorates the first visit of Buddha to Sri Lanka. The three-day festival features a grand procession with traditional dancers, drummers, and beautifully adorned elephants. The vibrant atmosphere and historical significance make Duruthu Perahera a captivating experience for both locals and visitors.

6. Galle Literary Festival

For literature enthusiasts, the Galle Literary Festival is a highlight of Sri Lanka’s cultural calendar. Held in the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this festival brings together writers, poets, and literary fans from around the world. The event features panel discussions, book readings, and workshops, providing a platform for literary exchange and inspiration. Exploring the Galle Fort and attending the festival events are among the top things to do in Colombo’s southern coastal region.

7. Colombo Fashion Week

Colombo Fashion Week, held annually in March, is a premier fashion event that showcases the best of Sri Lankan and international designers. This glamorous event features runway shows, designer showcases, and fashion workshops. It aims to promote Sri Lankan fashion talent and create a platform for designers to reach a global audience. Fashion enthusiasts will find Colombo Fashion Week an exciting opportunity to experience the creativity and innovation of Sri Lanka's fashion industry.

8. Vel Festival

The Vel Festival is a major Hindu event celebrated in July or August, primarily in Colombo. The festival honors the war god Skanda (Murugan) and features a grand procession of his sacred vel (spear) from one temple to another. Devotees, often dressed in traditional attire, accompany the procession with music, dancing, and offerings. The Vel Festival is a colorful and lively event that provides insight into the vibrant Hindu culture of Sri Lanka.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka's festivals and events offer a unique and immersive way to experience the country's diverse cultural tapestry. From religious celebrations to literary gatherings, these events provide a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka's traditions and way of life. Whether you're exploring the ancient city of Kandy or seeking things to do in Colombo, there's a festival or event that will make your visit to Sri Lanka unforgettable.

[michaelgabrill]

The Next Full Moon is the Flower Corn or Corn Planting Moon

The Next Full Moon is the Flower, Corn, or Corn Planting Moon; the Milk Moon; the Hare’s Moon; and Vesak, Buddha Jayanti, or Buddha Purnima. The next full Moon will be on Thursday morning, May 23, 2024, at 9:53 AM EDT. This will be Friday morning from the Lord Howe Island time zone (just east […] from NASA https://ift.tt/0u4yLEN

[divinum-pacis]

June 2023: Vesak Day is observed during the full moon in May or June each year. This year, the full moon fell on 4 June.

The celebrations take place over three days, with the centrepiece event on the night of the full moon.

Photograph 1: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images Photograph 2: Garry Lotulung/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

[raffaellopalandri]

Happy Vesak! A Celebration of Light and Awakening

Today is Vesak, Happy Vesak!! Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima, is the most sacred day for Buddhists. Image taken on internet It commemorates three key moments in the life of Gautama Buddha: his birth, his enlightenment, and his Parinirvana (passing away). Buddhists observe it on the full moon of the lunar month of Vesakha (usually falling in April, May, or June). This year, 2024, Vesak…

[mahayanapilgrim]

On this sacred day of

Vesak, Buddhists all over the globe honor the momentous victory of the Buddha's enlightenment. After years of extreme ascetic practices, ascetic Siddhartha Gautama entered the middle path and he practiced meditation with deep effort. On the full moon night of one Vesak (May) month, he sat under the Bodhi tree in Gaya to meditate with a steadfast determination to discover the truth of existence. He was immensely determined not to leave the seat until he attained enlightenment. Through the night, he faced the temptations and distractions of Mara, the embodiment of ignorance and desire. With unwavering mindfulness and deep insight and with the power of the ten perfections he fulfilled over many eons, he overcame these challenges. As the morning star rose, Siddhartha Gautama attained supreme enlightenment, realizing the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. He became the supremely enlightened Samma Sambuddha, the all knowing awakened one, free from the cycles of birth and death. The wisdom he uncovered under the Bodhi tree illuminated the path for countless beings to find peace, happiness, and liberation. From that day forward, the world was blessed with a bright beacon of wisdom to escape the infinite cycle of samsara. An infinite amount of beings freed themselves from the shackles of samsara because of the Dhamma taught by the Samma Sambuddha. Today, let us meditate on the Buddha's profound journey and recommit ourselves to the pursuit of inner peace and enlightenment. May we all find our Bodhi trees within.

[heaven-is-in-your-arms-series]

Visakha Buja / Visaka Bucha also known as Vesak is the day where Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death are celebrated.

Many homes are decorated with lanterns and people go to temples to make merit and reflect on what it means to be a Buddhist.

It is held on a full moon, usually sometime between May and June.

Some people like to wear white for the occasion and some like to join processions.

Some gather in temples to chant or meditate.

Visakha is considered one of the most important Buddhist festivals.

It is celebrated in lots of countries especially in South Asia and Southeast Asia.

[redbustravel]

Vesak Day 2023 in Singapore

Vesak Day, also known as Buddha Purnima or Buddha's Birthday, is a significant Buddhist festival celebrated in various countries, including Singapore. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. This auspicious occasion is observed on the full moon day of the lunar month of Vesakha, which usually falls in May.

In Singapore, Vesak Day is a public holiday and a time for the local Buddhist community to come together and celebrate their faith. This year the Vesak Day will be observed on 03, June 2023. The celebrations revolve around the three main aspects of Buddha's life: his birth, his enlightenment, and his passing into Nirvana. The festival is marked by various religious ceremonies, colorful processions, and acts of compassion and generosity.

To make the most of your Vesak Day celebrations in Singapore, it is essential to plan your transportation wisely. Booking bus tickets online is a convenient and hassle-free option to ensure smooth and efficient travel to the various temples and festival venues.

Highpoints of Vesak Celebrations

One of the highlights of Vesak Day in Singapore is the vibrant procession that takes place in the heart of the city. The procession starts at the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in Southeast Asia, and proceeds through the streets, attracting thousands of devotees and onlookers. The participants, dressed in traditional attire, carry sacred Buddhist artifacts, chant prayers, and offer flowers and incense as a mark of respect to the Buddha. The procession culminates at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, where devotees can pay their respects to a sacred relic believed to be a tooth of Gautama Buddha.

Apart from the procession, Vesak Day celebrations in Singapore also include religious rituals, such as the Bathing of the Buddha ceremony. During this ritual, devotees pour scented water over small Buddha statues, symbolizing the purification of the mind and body. The act of bathing the Buddha is seen as an opportunity to cleanse one's thoughts, let go of negative emotions, and cultivate inner peace and harmony.

In addition to the religious observances, Vesak Day is also a time for acts of charity and compassion. Many Buddhist organizations and temples organize blood donation drives, free medical and dental services, and provide meals and other necessities to the less fortunate. This spirit of generosity and kindness reflects the teachings of the Buddha, who emphasized the importance of selflessness and compassion towards all beings.

Buddhist Temples to Visit Ahead of Vesak Day in Singapore

During Vesak Day, it is customary to visit Buddhist temples and monasteries to offer prayers and make merit. Singapore is home to several beautiful temples where visitors can immerse themselves in the spiritual atmosphere and gain a deeper understanding of Buddhist teachings. Some prominent temples to visit during Vesak Day include:

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum: Located in the heart of Chinatown, this magnificent temple is a revered place of worship. It houses a sacred relic believed to be a tooth of Gautama Buddha. Visitors can participate in prayer sessions, witness the lighting of oil lamps, and explore the museum to learn more about Buddhism.

Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery: Situated in the serene neighborhood of Bishan, this monastery is the largest Buddhist temple complex in Singapore. It features stunning architecture, serene gardens, and tranquil meditation halls. Visitors can join meditation sessions, listen to Dharma talks, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.

Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery: This historic monastery, located in Toa Payoh, is a hidden gem that showcases traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture. Visitors can marvel at the intricate details of the temple, admire the serene courtyards, and experience the tranquility of the surroundings.

To make the most of your Vesak Day experience in Singapore, it is advisable to plan your visit in advance. Check the official event calendar or consult local Buddhist organizations for the schedule of activities and events. Keep in mind that certain venues may have limited capacity, so arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.

While exploring the festivities, don't forget to indulge in Singapore's culinary delights. Sample vegetarian and vegan dishes that are commonly prepared during Vesak Day, as Buddhists often practice abstaining from meat on this special occasion. From delectable plant-based curries to aromatic stir-fried noodles, Singapore offers a wide array of vegetarian options to satisfy your taste buds.

Wrapping It Up

In conclusion, Vesak Day in Singapore is a joyous and meaningful celebration that brings the Buddhist community together to honor the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha. It is a time of reflection, gratitude, and acts of kindness. Whether you are a Buddhist or simply curious about different cultures and religions, Vesak Day offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into Buddhism and experience the warmth and harmony that permeates the celebrations. Plan your visit, join in the festivities, and embrace the spirit of Vesak Day in Singapore.