Visakha Puja

Personally, even as a humanist and doubter, it is my favorite Buddhist holy day: Visakha Puja. It’s the day you see the local temples overflow with people of all walks of life and ages. The day in the year that shows an alive and determined Buddhism.

And while other religions kind of keep their doors closed for people of other faiths on important days, Visakha Bucha to me symbolizes the openness of Buddhism. Go to a temple, join in and be touched by the collective spirit.

Muslims celebrate the birth of Mohammad. Christians celebrate Christmas. Buddhists though celebrate an event warranting greater attention. Visakha Puja Day is an ancient holy day, only recently acknowledged internationally.

By Dion Peoples*

The United Nations General Assembly noted this important day and agreed to recognize it in 1999. This year, from May 04th to 06th, 2009/2552 (Buddhist Era starts following the Parinibbana of the Buddha, the day of his death), Thailand hosted the 6th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations.

Perhaps, it seems like a newly conceived holiday … but in fact the Buddha was born, attained his Enlightenment and died on the same calendar day of different years – turning this day as a thrice sacred celebration for lay people to honor the Great Teacher, Gotama Buddha.

Annually, thousands of leading Buddhist monks and scholars converge in Thailand to pay homage towards the Buddha through religious activities, academic seminars that discuss his teachings in relation to some contemporary and important issues, and through political speeches that illuminate the necessity for society to be guided by Buddhist principles, which are able to endure and overcome any form of global crisis.

For more information of these important global celebrations, everyone is encouraged to explore the writings found at www.icundv.com – which is the new official website for the International Council for the United Nations Day of Vesak, a new legally recognized association of leading Buddhist monastics and scholars united to promote the teachings of the Buddha.

* Mr. Dion Peoples is a Ph.D. candidate in Buddhist Studies and Lecturer for the Faculty of Buddhism, Secretariat Manager, International Association of Buddhist Universities, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Main Campus, Wangnoi, Ayutthaya Province, Thailand.