International Visakha Puja Day at the United Nations

International Visakha Puja Day at the United Nations

The 2600th Anniversary of the Enlightenment of the Buddha

Monday the 14th Waxing Moon of Visakha B.E.2554, May 16, A.D.2011 Year of the Rabbit

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On Vesak Day, Buddhists all over the world commemorate events of significance to Buddhists of all traditions: The birth, enlightenment and the passing away of Gautama Buddha. As Buddhism spread from India it was assimilated into many foreign cultures, and consequently Vesak is celebrated in many different ways all over the world.

The full moon night of Vesak marks the greatest celebration on earth. Prince Siddhartha came to be born on earth with the purpose of enlightenment. He was born to be the light of the world on which all sentient beings have been suffering in the never-ending samsara.

Video document will be available soon. 

Visakha Puja Day is one of the greatest Buddhist holidays which falls on the 15th day of the new moon in the 6th lunar month that is the month of May, in the year with extra eighth lunar month; the Visakha Puja Day will fall on 15th day of the new moon in the 7th lunar moth.

Visak Bochea 2011

Cambodians and Buddhist monks march and prayer during Visak Bochea at Udong in Kandal province, some 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, May 17, 2011. More than one thousand of Cambodia Buddhist monk, civil servant and resident on Tuesday gather to mark the Visak Bochea, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha on the day of the full moon in May. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

A Cambodian Buddhist nun, center, prepares chop sticks to Buddhist monks for their breakfast before the Visakha Bochea anniversary at Udong in Kandal province, some 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, May 17, 2011. More than one thousand of Cambodia Buddhist monk, civil servant and resident on Tuesday gather to mark the Visak Bochea, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha on the day of the full moon in May. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Buddhist monks march during the Vesak Day ceremony at the Udong mountain in Kandal province May 17, 2011. Buddhists in Cambodia on Tuesday celebrate Vesak Day to honour the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. REUTERS/Samrang Pring

Buddhist monks are seen from inside the vehicle as they attend the Vesak Day ceremony at the Udong mountain in Kandal province May 17, 2011. Buddhists in Cambodia on Tuesday  celebrate Vesak Day to honour the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. REUTERS/Samrang Pring

A driver shaves as Buddhist monks march during Vesak Day ceremony at the Udong mountain in Kandal province May 17, 2011. Buddhists in Cambodia on Tuesday celebrate Vesak Day to honour the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. REUTERS/Samrang Pring

Buddhist nuns hold incense and lotus flowers during Vesak Day ceremony at the Udong mountain in Kandal province May 17, 2011. Buddhists in Cambodia on Tuesday celebrate Vesak Day to honour the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. REUTERS/Samrang Pring

Cambodian Buddhist monks march and prayer during Visakha Bochea at Udong in Kandal province, some 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, May 17, 2011. More than one thousand of Cambodia Buddhist monk, civil servant and resident on Tuesday gather to mark the Visak Bochea, the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha on the day of the full moon in May. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Cambodian monks carry flags as they march during Vesak Day ceremony at the Udong mountain in Kandal province May 17, 2011. Buddhists in Cambodia celebrate Vesak Day on Tuesday to honour the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. REUTERS/Samrang Pring

Cambodian Buddhists march to mark Buddha's day

May 18, 2011
Xinhua

Thousands of Buddhists and Buddhist monks on Tuesday morning marched around Preah Reach Trap Mountain, where the relics of Buddha are housed, in order to mark Visak Bochea's day, or Buddha's day.

In Cambodia, the Buddha's relics are housed at the cliff of Preah Reach Trap Mountain, located in Kampong Speu province's Oddong district, some 40 kilometers north of Phnom Penh.

The event was also attended by the President of the National Assembly Heng Samrin and Deputy Prime Minister Kong Sam Ol, minister of the royal palace.

Vatican sends annual Message to Buddhists for Vesakh

Thursday, March 31, 2011
Source: VIS

Made public today was the annual Message to Buddhists for the Feast of Vesakh, issued by the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue. This year Vesakh, the most important Buddhist festivity, is celebrated on 8 April in Japan, on 10 May in Korea, China, Taiwan, Vietnam and Singapore, and on 17 May in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos.

In the message, which is entitled: 'Seeking Truth in Freedom: Christians and Buddhists live in Peace', Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran and Archbishop Pier Luigi Celata, respectively president and secretary of the pontifical council, note that "in the pursuit of authentic peace, a commitment to seek truth is a necessary condition. ... This human striving for truth offers a fruitful opportunity for the followers of the different religions to encounter one another in depth and to grow in appreciation of the gifts of each".

The English-language text continues: "In today's world, marked by forms of secularism and fundamentalism that are often inimical to true freedom and spiritual values, inter-religious dialogue can be the alternative choice by which we find the 'golden way' to live in peace and work together for the good of all. ... Such dialogue is also a powerful stimulus to respect for the fundamental human rights of freedom of conscience and freedom of worship. Wherever religious freedom is effectively acknowledged, the dignity of the human person is respected at its root; by the sincere search for what is true and good, moral conscience and civil institutions are strengthened; and justice and peace are firmly established".

Visak Bochea Procession in Angkor Wat

Report by Hang Savyouth, RFA
Video by Uon Chhin

Visakha Bochea celebration in Siem Reap

Cambodian dancers perform to mark Visakha Bochea, the Buddha's birthday, at Bayon temple of Angkor complex in Siem Reap province, about 320 kilometers(199 miles) north of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Wednesday, April 28, 2010. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Cambodian Buddhist nuns sit as they hold lotus flowers during ceremonies to mark the Buddha's birthday, Visakha Bochea, at Bayon temple of Angkor complexin Siem Reap province, about 320 kilometers (199 miles) north of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Wednesday, April 28, 2010. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Cambodians gather to mark the Buddha's birthday, Visakha Bochea, at Bayon temple of Angkor complex in Siem Reap province, about 320 kilometers (199 miles)north of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Wednesday, April 28, 2010. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Cambodian Buddhist monks hold candles at the famed Bayon temple to mark the Buddha's birthday, Visakha Bochea, at the Bayon temple of Angkor complex inSiem Reap province, about 320 kilometers (199 miles) north of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Wednesday, April 28, 2010. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Cambodian Buddhist monks, lower, hold candles as the famed Bayon temple is illuminated to mark the Buddha's birthday, Visakha Bochea, at Bayon templeof Angkor complex in Siem Reap province, about 320 kilometers (199 miles) north of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Wednesday, April 28, 2010. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Visakha Bochea celebration in Angkor Wat

Cambodian Buddhist monks carry some food offered by local villagers at Angkor Wat temple in Angkor in Siem Reap province, about 320 kilometers (199 miles)north of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Wednesday, April 28, 2010. Cambodia marks Buddha's birthday, Visakha Bochea, on April 28 in the Angkor Wat complex. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Cambodian Buddhist monks take lunch near Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap province, about 320 kilometers (199 miles) north of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Wednesday,April 28, 2010. Cambodia marks Buddha's birthday, Visakha Bochea, on April 28 in the Angkor Wat complex. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
A Cambodian Buddhist monk uses a mobile phone as his visits Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap province, about 320 kilometers (199 miles) north of Phnom Penh,Cambodia, Wednesday, April 28, 2010. Cambodia marks Buddha's birthday, Visakha Bochea, on April 28 in the Angkor Wat complex. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Cambodian Buddhist monks head to their pagoda as they walk through Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap province, about 320 kilometers (199 miles) north of PhnomPenh, Cambodia, Wednesday, April 28, 2010. Cambodia marks Buddha's birthday, Visakha Bochea, on April 28 in the Angkor Wat complex. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Buddhists celebrate Visakha Puja

Sculpture depicting the birth of Siddharta Gautama, the future Buddha

Saturday, May 17, 2008
By Mary Louise Speer
Quad City Times (Iowa, USA)

The venerable Somnieng Hoeurn, a Buddhist monk from Cambodia, welcomed visitors to his Rock Island home Saturday for a celebration of Visakha Puja, or Happy Buddha Day.

“You see flowers and the candles. The candle, or the light, it is a symbol of enlightenment, that the teachings of the Buddha are a way to find peace and happiness in our life,” he said.

Saturday’s gathering marked the beginning of a three-day observance of the day Siddhartha Gautama was born in 563 BC. During the three days, people meditate and practice the precepts taught by the Buddha.

“This is an important day for Buddhists to do good deeds,” he said.