This most important Buddhist festival is known as either Vesak, Wesak or Buddha Day, and is celebrated annually on the full moon of the ancient lunar month of Vesakha, which should be taking place this weekend.
At Vesak Buddhists commemorate the birth of the Buddha-to-be, Siddhattha Gotama, his Enlightenment at the age of 35 when he became the Buddha, and his final ‘passing’ into Nirvana at the age of 80, no more to be reborn. Buddhist scriptures relate that each of these three significant events occurred on a full moon of the Indian lunar month of Vesakha.
In Buddhism, death is not the end of life – it teaches rebirth and differentiates it from reincarnation because Buddhism does not recognise a self or soul that is continually reappearing in a new form. Death for the unenlightened, whose minds are still infected with desire, is followed by yet another life. But for the Enlightened who have extinguished all desire, including the desire to be born again, there is no more rebirth. So Buddhists don’t usually refer to the Buddha’s death but to his passing, into Nibbana or Nirvana.
They believe that by passing into Nirvana a person can end the cycle of death and re-birth.
Celebrations
Each Buddhist culture has its own traditions for the day, but it is celebrated in lots of different countries, including many across Asia such as India, Thailand, and North and South Korea.
Many Buddhists will go to their local temple and some might even stay there throughout the day and night of the full moon. Often they will do good deeds, take part in chanting and meditation, reflect on Buddhist teachings, bring offerings to the temple and share food with people.
Happy and peaceful Vesak day to any of our colleagues who are celebrating.