May 2nd is Buddha Day - The Buddhist Equivalent of Christmas

There are many holy days held throughout the year by the Buddhist community. The most significant celebration happens every May on the first night of the full moon, when Buddhists all over the world celebrate the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha over 2,500 years ago. It has come to be known as Buddha Day, and this year, it is May 2, 2007. The traditional name for this celebration is Vesak, which is the name of the month in the Indian calendar. This holiday might be considered the equivalent of Christmas in the Christian faith. In Japanese Buddhism, however, the birth of Buddha is April 8, the enlightenment is December 8^th, and his death is February 15.

During Vesak, Buddhists celebrate the life of Buddha, his teachings, and the night of his enlightenment. They celebrate his insights into previous lives and revelations about death, karma, reincarnation, suffering, and desire. Much like Christmas is celebrated, Buddhists clean their homes and decorate with vivid colors and joyous decorations. The ceremonies begin before dawn, by going to the temples and meditating. Monks chant sutras, and members take the Five Moral Precepts:

1. Refrain from harming living things
2. Refrain from taking what is not given
3. Refrain from sexual misconduct
4. Refrain from lying or gossip
5. Refrain from taking intoxicating substances (drugs and drink)

The Samaneras live by ten precepts, which are the five above plus:

6. Refrain from taking food after midday from noon to dawn
7. Refrain from dancing, singing, and music
8. Refrain from use of garlands, perfumes, and jewelry
9. Refrain from luxurious beds and seats
10.Refrain from accepting and holding money, gold, or silver

In some countries, "The Bathing of the Buddha" takes place where water is poured over the shoulders of Buddha as a reminder to purify the heart and mind. Offerings are made to the monks at the temples as a sign of respect for Buddha. Simple gifts may be exchanged as part of the festivities of Vesak, especially gifts to the needy. Visits are made to orphanages, welfare homes, nursing homes, food charities or blood bank drives.

Many Buddhist temples serve vegetarian food followed by candle-lit processions through the streets. The Buddhists welcome observers to their temple ceremonies, speeches about Buddha's teachings, and sharing the food. Another popular custom in some countries is the releasing of birds to symbolize the letting go of troubles and wishing all beings are well and happy. In some parts of the world, Buddhists float origami paper cranes down rivers to symbolize the same thing.

During the celebration of Vesak, schools also participate in classroom activities to teach children about where the Buddha lived and traveled, about the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. Students learn about the Five Precepts and how meditation helped the Buddha. They learn about the qualities and quotations of Buddha that made his life story endure for all these years. It is a very reverent and sacred time for the Buddhist community. So to all Buddhists, I wish you a happy Vesak.

For more information about the teachings of karma, you can read my article: Do You Believe in Karma