Today according to the Sri Lankan calender, The Vesak Day and tomorrow is day after Vesak. It is a national holiday in Sri Lanka and a significant day in the year for a Buddhist. The Wikipedia also has given an insight for the meaning of the day mentioning that it is "Buddha's Birthday". I'm not sure whether it is actually an appropriate definition for Vesak. True that Prince Siddhartha was born on a Vesak Day. And Prince Siddhartha gained the knowledge of the Truth on Vesak Day, enlightenment which made him Lord Buddha. And then life of Lord Buddha spreading the message of Truth, the understanding of the meaning of all those questions arose within the search of spirituality. The passing away of Lord Buddha is the third significant happening on the Vesak day.S o its a combination of all these incidents that make Vesak Day an important day of a Buddhist's life.
Even though I mentioned "A buddhist's life" I'm not quite certain whether it is really correct. The preachings of Lord Buddha always demanded clear understanding rather than some blind belief on the teachings. Buddhism always required logical thinking and understanding of deeper meanings. I think in most Asian countries it says that you are born to a certain race and a religion. And truthfully that is how I got my religion. BUT when a person matures in life there should be the right to decide on his/her beliefs as much as he/she gets the voting rights. I strongly believe that Buddhism shows a helpful pathway with logical thinking, for a better development of spiritual life. An insight of the truthful meaning of life itself.
My opinion for Vesak Day 2010 will be that we all take a break from our daily routine and step out of our box, think about how we live. Are we being truthful to our beliefs and understandings of life? Are we living as true Buddhists? May be that will uncover some new understanding which we all lacked in our lives.
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