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1.1 Historical Background ::
Visakha Puja Day marks the three important incidents in the
life of Lord Buddha on the same day - the full moon of the
sixth lunar month. The three significant separate event are
:
1. The Buddha's Birth - the Buddha was born into a royal
warrior clan in the Lumbini Garden (in an area of Northern
India known today as Nepal) In the morning of the Vesak full
moon day, 80 years before the Buddhist Era. He was named
Siddhattha five days after his birth.
2. "The Enlightenment of Buddha - While sitting under the
Bodhi tree, he found his answer and attained the
enlightenment at the age of 35 years at Uruvelasenanigama
subdistrict, Magadha state, (nowadays, located in the area
of Buddha Kaya, Bihar State, India), on Wednesday, the Vesak
full moon day, the zodiac of the cock, forty five years
before the Buddhist Era.
3. The Nibbana - The Buddha passed away on Tuesday, the
Vesak full moon day in the zodiac year of the small snake
under the two Sal trees in the Sala Grove of the Mallas in
Kusinara, the capital of the Malla state, (nowadays located
in Kusinagara of Uttrarapradesa, India) at the age of eighty
years (around 2547 years ago).
Visakha Puja (Vesak) means the worship of the Buddha on the
full moon day of the sixth lunar month. It usually falls in
May. In the case of a year with an extra eighth lunar
month--Adhikamasa (there are 13 full moons in that year)--
the Visakha Puja Day falls on the full moon day of the
seventh lunar month.
1.2 Significance ::
Visakha Puja Day is recognized as most important memorial
day in Buddhism for the Lord Buddha who wandered from place
to place teaching his discoveries to people who are
accessible to the instruction, helping large a number of
people achieving various levels of spiritual attainment. He
sent his followers to spread Buddhism in capitals, cities
and upcountry, until Buddhism was firmly established and
widely spread. Visakha Puja day is also recognized by the
UNESCO in 1999 as "World Heritage Day". Thailand where is
the permanent location of the World Fellowship of Buddhists,
is chosen to host celebrating event for the day.
1.3 An International Day of the United Nations ::
On December 13, 1999, the United Nations as the World
Organization performing various activities accepted by the
world wide population has unanimously resolved to declare
the Visakha Puja Day (Vesak Day) as an International Day on
December 15, 1999. This brings a lot of joy to the worldwide
Buddhists.
1.4 Custom of Visakha Puja Day Rite ::
Every year when this important day comes around again, all
Buddhists throughout the world gather together to perform
the worship to recollect the wisdom, purity and compassion
of the Buddha. Activities generally to be observed on the
Visakha Puja Day are :
'TUM BOON' *;Going to temples for special observances,
making merit, listening to Dharma preaching, giving some
donations and join in the other Buddhist activities.
'RUB SIL' *;Keeping the Five Precepts, including abstinence
from alcoholic drinks and all kinds of immoral acts.
'TUK BARD' *;Offering food to the monks and novices (in the
alm bowl).
Practice of renuciation: Observe the Eight Precepts,
practice of meditation and mental displine, stay in the
temple, wearing white robes, for a number of days.
'VIEN TIEN' *;Attending the Candle Light Procession around
the Uposatha Hall, in the evening of the Vesak full moon
day.
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