The Thai government, together with the Office of National Buddhism is preparing for several activities to commemorate World Day of Vesak from May 18 to 24, 2013. Vesak or Visakha is a special celebration that honors the birth of Buddha, his enlightenment, his death and passage to nirvana. The special event happens on May during a full moon, which is when it was believed that he was born on the foothills of the Himalayas while his mother was travelling to the home of her parents. Based on the Buddhist calendars, Buddha is 2,548 years of age today.
About Vesak
Vesak is considered to be a very significant holiday among Southeast Asian Theravada Buddha countries, although the observance of the celebration is different among cultures. In the US for example, Vesak is a time for celebration uniting various Buddhist practices and schools, immigrants and converts to Buddhism, Asians and their non-Asian counterparts. In different Zen schools, the birth of Buddha is commemorated on the 8th of April, which is based on another calendar. His enlightenment, as well as his death happens on different days too. Accordingly, the celebration of Vesak is when one is able to renew his faith and dedication to the teachings of Buddha and practice what he has acquired from the wisdom of these teachings. In the Buddhist temples of Southeast Asia or the West, buildings are cleaned and spruced up with lights and decorated with lanterns. It is a common practice to build a pavilion, especially for the Buddhist monks so they are able to meditate peacefully and chant throughout the evening.
There is no account about the birth of Buddha; though legend has it that he miraculously appeared from the side of his mother in what is Nepal at present time. According to recent archeological studies, they are now able to identify the exact site where he was born.
Vesak – A Special Holiday
The teachings of Buddha are composed of love, kindness, and the practice of self-restraint and tolerance for the better good of mankind. Because of the fact that these are the same principles adhered to by the United Nations Charter, Vesak has been declared as a special holiday of worldwide importance, and observances of the day are held every year at the Headquarters of the United Nations and all of its offices. Thailand, that is host to the celebration this year, has asked many Buddhist monks and leaders worldwide to participate in the special celebration.
Ms. Irina Bokava, who is the Director-General of the UNESCO, had this to say on her message regarding the United Nations Day of Vesak. She referred to education being the greatest way to attaining inner peace, and providing everyone with whatever tools were necessary to obtain self-fulfilment. It is essential to building up strong grounds for a more comprehensive development that is enduring and longer-lasting.
During the celebration of United Nations Day of Vesak, the Buddhist University “Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya,” will be a part of a variety of organizations, for a conference to be held from May 21-22. This conference will be at the Conference Center of the United Nations in Bangkok. “Education and Global Citizenship: A Buddhist Perspective” is the theme of the conference. A group discussion regarding the 100th birth of the “Supreme Patriarch of Thailand,” Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara will be included as well.
Photo Credit: Vesak
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