Day of Vesak

Facts about Buddhism: Buddhists go to temple, not at a special time or day, but when they can; Buddha is known as a teacher not a god; Flowers and food are placed on the front of the Buddhist Statue. The flowers are to remind the person that they will not live forever; Candles and incense sticks are lit and Buddhists recite verses in the Vihara; The food is given to the Monks since they own nothing of their own and Buddhists feel that giving food will help them reach Nirvana; A Buddhist temple is called Vihara and is a place for education. In a temple, you will find a shrine room with a large Buddha and statues of his disciples.You will also find relics and manuscripts. There is also a lecture room, meditation room and a library; Shoes are removed before entering a temple for respect for Buddha; The following principles are said to help Buddhists to act well: 1. Not to hurt living things, 2. Do not take avantage of what is not there, 3. Use senses correctly, 4. Speak kindly, and, 5. Do not take or use drugs or alcohol; It is commom for Buddhists to go on a full moon day.

"Vesak", the Day of the Full Moon in the month of May, is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world. It was on the Day of Vesak two and a half millennia ago, in the year 623 B.C., that the Buddha was born. It was also on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha attained enlightenment, and it was on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha in his eightieth year passed away.

The General Assembly, by its resolution 54/115 of 1999, recognized internationally the Day of Vesak to acknowledge the contribution that Buddhism, one of the oldest religions in the world, has made for over two and a half millennia and continues to make to the spirituality of humanity. This day is commemorated annually at the UN Headquarters and other UN offices, in consultation with the relevant UN offices and with permanent missions, which also wish to be consulted.

Source: un.org

In 2017 Day of Vesak in USA falls on May 10.