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BUDDHA DAY
May 20th 2016
Vesak day
About Vesak Day
Siddhartha Gautama, also commonly known as
Buddha (enlightened one), lived in present-day India
and Nepal between the sixth and fourth century BCE.
His teachings focused on messages about
compassion, peace and goodwill. Millions around the
world follow the teachings of the Buddha today. The
Day of Vesak commemorates Buddha’s birth,
enlightenment and death.
What did Buddha teach?
His teachings focused on messages about
compassion, peace and goodwill
• . Millions around the world follow the teachings of the Buddha today.
• Vesak - The Buddhist Festival of Light is the Sri Lankan word for
the month of May. Vesak is the holiest day in Buddhism.
Buddhists believe that it was in that month the most significant
events of the Buddha’s existence took place. On this day are
celebrated the birth, the Enlightenment, and the death of the
Buddha. This day is usually in the middle or last two weeks of
May.
The Day of Vesak commemorates
Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and
death.
Celebrations vary from one country to another. In Thailand, for
example, special Wesak lanterns are made of paper and wood,
and often there are large ceremonial releases of caged birds.
In China, traditional elements from Chinese culture, such as
dancing dragons, are incorporated into the religious
celebrations.
In Indonesia, Wesak lanterns are made from paper and wood.
Another popular custom in some countries is the release of
caged birds, symbolising letting go of troubles and wishing that
all beings be well and happy.
International Buddha Day
In 1999 the UN recognized internationally Vesak Day to
acknowledge the contribution that Buddhism, one of the oldest
religions in the world, has made for over 2500 years.