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Buddhists/The Date of Vesak (Wesak)

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Expert: - 2/12/2005


Question
I have found several definitions for what seems to be the most important Buddhist holiday of the year Vesak (Wesak). Can you tell me the date which would be most likely to be celebrated most generally by most Buddhists, or at least the ones here in America. The best definition I have is Vesak is celebrated on the first full moon in May.

Thank You In Advance
Paul


Answer
Hi Paul,

Thank you for asking me.

You are right.  Wesak is celebrated on the full moon day of May.  This year it falls on 22nd May.  This month is called the month of Vesakha.  It is the thrice blessed day for the Buddhists.  It was the same day that the Buddha was born; and 35 years later attained enlightenment; and at the age of 85 entered mahaparinibbana (died).

Smile from justinchoo :-)  

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Justin Choo

Expertise

When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

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