International Celebration of Buddhas Birthday on Visakha Bucha Day
on May 18th, 2012 at 4:25 pmOn Buddha’s birthday or Visakha Bucha Day or Vesak, the Buddhists people are expected not just to remember his teachings but to live them. As a result, Buddhists do not simply go to the temple to pray and meditate (Tum Boon) on this day as they always do. In addition, they are expected to observe Rub Sil or the Five Precepts which includes abstain from killing, stealing, lying, intoxication and sexual misconduct. This is to emphasize Buddhas teaching on simplicity, humility and morality.
They are also expected to share food and drinks to everybody in observance of Tuk Bard. Aside from food some Buddhists also offer drinks and other financial donations to monks, the needy and other organizations. One of the highlights of this international celebration is the Vien Tien or the Candle Light Procession. This also includes decorating lanterns in streets and hallways.
The Buddhists lead a very simple and quite life but on Buddhas Birthday they open the doors of their temple, they serve food to everyone and celebrate with others regardless of race and religion. Vesak is celebrated on the sixth lunar month on a full moon night. For this year, it will be celebrated by Thailand on June 4 and it is a national holiday. However, it has already been celebrated by other Buddhists in different countries on other dates such as April 28, May 5, 6 and May 28.