Today is the Buddha’s birthday, Vesak. A holy day for the Buddhist, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama). Because of the lunar calendar and varies customs, the date of celebration varies in different countries. For the Chinese Buddhist, the celebration falls on the 8th day of lunar April. You might still be able to catch the celebration in other parts of the world.
More than 2500 year ago, the Buddha was born. His wisdom guides the Buddhists away from the hinders of this world.
Tomorrow is the 2557th birthday of the Buddha, Vesakh,a holy day that commensurate the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha by Buddhist all over the world. The date of the celebration differ slightly throughout the different countries, 8th of lunar April, in Thailand for example, Vesakh is on the 24th May.
On this special day, the devoted Buddhist will observe the 8 Precepts:
I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.
I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.
I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual activity.
I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.
I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.
I undertake the precept to refrain from eating at the forbidden time (i.e., after noon).
I undertake the precept to refrain from dancing, singing, music, going to see entertainments, wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying the body with cosmetics.
I undertake the precept to refrain from lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place.
If you happen to be in Hong Kong, join in the celebration.
Mountain Folkcraft 