Expert: Bodhicitta - 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
Thanks for your question.

Different Buddhist traditions from different asian countries and traditions have different ideas about the exact dates of the principle Buddhist festivals.

My own tradition is Tibetan Buddhism. This tradition
is based on certain Mahayana sutras which give accounts of the life story of the Buddha. In these accounts, the Buddha
is born, achieves enlightenment and dies on the same date.
This is seen as an auspicious co-incidence and
conjunction of events. This co-incidence is full of symbol
and meaning.

So in the Tibet traditionally they would have a large feast on this day.

This  festival is called Saga Dawa Düchenin Tibetan  or Vesak Puja and is on  the 15th of the 4th lunar month, Buddha Shakyamuni was born in Lumbini (current-day Nepal) became enlightened in Bodhgaya (India) and entered parinirvana ("passed away") in Kushinagar (India).

I think the symbolism is  that birth, enlightenment and death  is here and now in this immediacy in this very place. So you could celebrate that now - no need to wait
for christmas!

Enjoy
Bodhicitta