What is the Vesak Day of Buddhism

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In 1950, the World Fellowship of Buddhists, an international Buddhist group, W. F.B.) At the first session of Sri Lanka, the decision to celebrate Vesak Day was adopted, and the leaders of governments were requested to take action to make the full moon day in May a public holiday for the existence of the majority or minority of Buddhists in Sri Lanka, in memory of the Buddha, who is known as one of the greatest interests of mankind in the world. The tradition of Vesak Day (or similar festivals) has actually existed for many centuries.

At the 54th session of the United Nations General Assembly in 1999, the letter jointly signed by the representatives of 16 countries requested the "international recognition of Vesak Day". The letter pointed out: "The teachings of the Buddha and his message of compassion, peace and kindness have touched thousands of people in the world." "Millions of people in the world follow the teachings of the Buddha, and commemorate the birth, completion and death of the Buddha on Vesak Day." In the same year, Greece, Norway, Turkey, the United States and other countries also joined the initiative. In December 1999, in a communication issued by the United Nations, it was indicated that the draft initiative on Vesak Day was adopted without a vote.

From May 7 to 10, 2006, Bangkok, Thailand, held a celebration of the United Nations Day of Vesak. The celebration of Vesak Day is also the 60th anniversary of King Bhumibol of Thailand's accession to the throne, so it has become a double celebration. The international Buddhist conference, chanting and prayer ceremony and candle lighting activities attended by more than 40 Buddhist representatives were held in Buddhamonton and the United Nations Conference Center. Annan, the then Secretary General of the United Nations, sent congratulations to the celebration.

Vesak Festival is a traditional festival of Southern Buddhism to commemorate the birth, completion and nirvana of Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism. Buddhists from Southeast and South Asian countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nepal and other countries all held grand celebrations in this important annual festival.

Vesak is a Sinhalese language in Sri Lanka, derived from the Pali word "Visakha". In India, Bangladesh and Nepal, the festival is called "Visakah Puja" or "Buddha Purnima"; It is called "Visakha Bucha" in Thailand; It is called "Waisak" in Indonesia; Referred to as "Vesak" or "Wesak" in Sri Lanka and Malaysia; It is called "Vixakha Bouka" in Laos; It is called "Ka one" in Myanmar.

Buddha was born on the full moon of May 624 BC (equivalent to the full moon of April 15 in the lunar calendar) in today's Lumbini, Nepal. On the proposal of the former chairman of the Chinese Buddhist Association, Jushi Zhao Puchu, the Han Buddhist community celebrated the "Buddha Auspicious Day" on April 15 of the lunar calendar with the international Buddhist community.

The date of Vesak Day every year is determined according to the calendar, which is the full moon in May. Countries including Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, etc. list this day (or several days) as a public holiday. Since the Vesak Day has been recognized by the United Nations, its official name in the world is "United Nations Day of Vesak".

On this day, capable Dharma friends can choose to meditate, or do a good deed to help others. It is good to put a small fish or give a beggar one yuan. In a word, keeping a quiet and serene state of mind is the best memory of Buddha for every Buddhist on this day. Many Theravada Buddhists do this.

Article keywords: Buddhism the United Nations Thailand Vesak Day Buddhism

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