May 7: “Vesak”, the Day of Full Moon
Vesak, the Day of Full Moon is the most sacred day to the Buddhists all over the world. On this day, Lord Gautham Buddha attained enlightenment. The Day is commemorated by the United Nations every year.
Highlights
The Day if being celebrated by the United Nations since 2000. The resolution to celebrate the day was passed in 1999.
Since 2004, International Vesak Summit is being organized. In 2019, it was held in Vietnam. So far, the summit has been held 11 times in Thailand, 3 times in Vietnam and 1 time in Sri Lanka.
History
The decision to celebrate birthday of Buddha as Vesak Day was first formalized at the World Fellowships of Buddhists conference that was held in Sri Lanka in 1950. The conference was attended by Buddhist leaders from several countries.
Buddhism originated in India. From India, it was actively disseminated in Tibet between 6th and 9th century CE. Between 14th and 16th century, the Buddhism was patronized by Qing dynasty and Ming dynasty.
In Tibet, Dalai Lama is the title given to the spiritual leader. Currently, Tenzin Gyatso is the Dalai Lama of Tibetan Buddhists and he is living in India as a refugee. The fifth Dalai Lama unified the state of Tibet.
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Month: Current Affairs - May, 2020
Dr.Cajetan Coelho
May 16, 2020 at 1:23 pmFor the late Baba Amte of Anandwan, the Full Moon Night in the month of May was an important aspect of the annual 15 days Mitr Melava Shibirs at the Somnath Prakalp in the Chandrapur Zilla of Maharashtra. Under the open skies on the full moon night, youngsters coming from across the country would dream, discuss, and debate issues of importance for nation-building and planet re-orienting.