Vesak: How Buddha's Birthday Is Celebrated Around The World (PHOTOS)

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• Indonesia

  MAGELANG, INDONESIA - MAY 06: Buddhist followers lighting candles at Borobudur temple during Vesak Day, commonly known as 'Buddha's birthday', at the Borobudur Mahayana Buddhist monument on May 6, 2012 in Magelang, Indonesia. Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the Borobudur temple annually, which makes it the most visited tourist attraction in Indonesia. Vesak is observed during the full moon in May or June and the ceremony centers around three Buddhist temples, whereby pilgrims walk from Mendut to Pawon, ending at Borobudur. The stages of life of Buddhism's founder, Gautama Buddha, which are celebrated at Vesak are his birth, enlightenment to Nirvana, and his passing. (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

• Indonesian

  MAGELANG, INDONESIA - MAY 06: Buddhist followers join the procession from Mendut temple to Borobudur temple during celebrate Vesak Day, commonly known as 'Buddha's birthday', at the Borobudur Mahayana Buddhist monument on May 6, 2012 in Magelang, Indonesia. Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the Borobudur temple annually, which makes it the most visited tourist attraction in Indonesia. Vesak is observed during the full moon in May or June and the ceremony centers around three Buddhist temples, whereby pilgrims walk from Mendut to Pawon, ending at Borobudur. The stages of life of Buddhism's founder, Gautama Buddha, which are celebrated at Vesak are his birth, enlightenment to Nirvana, and his passing. (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

• Indonesia

  MAGELANG, INDONESIA - MAY 06: Buddhists walk around the Borobudur temple while carrying canldes during Vesak Day, commonly known as 'Buddha's birthday', at the Borobudur Mahayana Buddhist monument on May 6, 2012 in Magelang, Indonesia. Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the Borobudur temple annually, which makes it the most visited tourist attraction in Indonesia. Vesak is observed during the full moon in May or June and the ceremony centers around three Buddhist temples, whereby pilgrims walk from Mendut to Pawon, ending at Borobudur. The stages of life of Buddhism's founder, Gautama Buddha, which are celebrated at Vesak are his birth, enlightenment to Nirvana, and his passing. (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

• Singapore

  A Buddhist monk leads devotees during a procession toward a temple on the eve of Vesak Day in Singapore on May 4,2012. Vesak day is the major Buddhist festival of the year as it celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha on the one day, the first full moon day in May. (MOHD FYROL/AFP/GettyImages)

• Taiwan

  People pray and pour water on models of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, childhood of Buddha, on Buddha's Birthday in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, April 28, 2012. Buddha's Birthday is celebrated in East Asia on the eighth day of the fourth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

• South Korea

  A worker attaches name tags of Buddhist devotees who donated lanterns ahead of the birthday celebration of Buddha, which falls on May 28, at the Chogye temple in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, April 30, 2012. About one-third of South Korea's 48 million people are Buddhists. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

• South Korea

  A South Korean worker attaches a name card with a wish of Buddhist followers to a lotus lantern at Chogye Temple in Seoul on May 8, 2011 ahead of celebrations marking Buddha's birthday in the country. Buddha was born approximately 2,555 years ago, and although the exact date is unknown, Buddha's official birthday is celebrated on the full moon in May in South Korea, which is on May 10 this year. (PARK JI-HWAN/AFP/Getty Images)

• South Korea

  South Korean Buddhist followers pray under rows of lotus lanterns during a service to celebrate the 2,555th birthday of Buddha at Jogye temple in Seoul on May 10, 2011. Buddhism is one of South Korea's largest and most active religions with millions of followers. (JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images)

• South Korea

  A South Korean Buddhist holds a lantern on the street followers prepare for Buddha's birthday with a parade in the streets of Seoul on May 8, 2011. Buddha was born approximately 2,555 years ago, and although the exact date is unknown, Buddha's official birthday is celebrated on the full moon in May in South Korea, which is on May 10 this year. (PARK JI-HWAN/AFP/Getty Images)

• Indonesia

  A Buddhist monk releases a lantern into the air on Borobudur temple during Vesak Day, commonly known as "Buddha's birthday," at the Borobudur Mahayana Buddhist monument on May 28, 2010 in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. Annually, Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the monument, which makes it the most visited tourist attraction in Indonesia. It is observed during the full moon in May or June, with the ceremony centred at three Buddhist temples by walking from Mendut to Pawon and ending at Borobudur. The stages of life of Buddhism's founder, Gautama Buddha, which are celebrated at Vesak are his birth, enlightenment to Nirvana, and his passing (Parinirvana). (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

• Indonesia

  Buddhist followers releases a lantern into the air on Borobudur temple during Vesak Day, commonly known as "Buddha's birthday," at the Borobudur Mahayana Buddhist monument on May 17, 2011 in Magelang, Indonesia. Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the monument anually, which makes it the most visited tourist attraction in Indonesia. It is observed during the full moon in May or June, with the ceremony centred at three Buddhist temples by walking from Mendut to Pawon and ending at Borobudur. The stages of life of Buddhism's founder, Gautama Buddha, which are celebrated at Vesak are his birth, enlightenment to Nirvana, and his passing (Parinirvana). (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

• Indonesia

  Buddhist followers releases a lantern into the air on Borobudur temple during Vesak Day, commonly known as "Buddha's birthday," at the Borobudur Mahayana Buddhist monument on May 17, 2011 in Magelang, Indonesia. Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the monument anually, which makes it the most visited tourist attraction in Indonesia. It is observed during the full moon in May or June, with the ceremony centred at three Buddhist temples by walking from Mendut to Pawon and ending at Borobudur. The stages of life of Buddhism's founder, Gautama Buddha, which are celebrated at Vesak are his birth, enlightenment to Nirvana, and his passing (Parinirvana). (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

• Indonesia

  Indonesian muslim woman with Buddhist followers releases a lantern into the air on Borobudur temple during Vesak Day, commonly known as "Buddha's birthday," at the Borobudur Mahayana Buddhist monument on May 17, 2011 in Magelang, Indonesia. Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the monument anually, which makes it the most visited tourist attraction in Indonesia. It is observed during the full moon in May or June, with the ceremony centred at three Buddhist temples by walking from Mendut to Pawon and ending at Borobudur. The stages of life of Buddhism's founder, Gautama Buddha, which are celebrated at Vesak are his birth, enlightenment to Nirvana, and his passing (Parinirvana). (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

• Indonesia

  Chinese dragon dance is seen as join the procession from Mendut temple to Borobudur temple on Vesak Day, commonly known as "Buddha's birthday," at the Borobudur Mahayana Buddhist monument on May 17, 2011 in Magelang, Indonesia. Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the monument anually, which makes it the most visited tourist attraction in Indonesia. It is observed during the full moon in May or June, with the ceremony centred at three Buddhist temples by walking from Mendut to Pawon and ending at Borobudur. The stages of life of Buddhism's founder, Gautama Buddha, which are celebrated at Vesak are his birth, enlightenment to Nirvana, and his passing (Parinirvana). (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

• Indonesia

  A view of Borobudur temple is illuminated as buddhist monks walked around the Borobudur temple during Vesak Day, commonly known as "Buddha's birthday," at the Borobudur Mahayana Buddhist monument on May 17, 2011 in Magelang, Indonesia. Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the monument anually, which makes it the most visited tourist attraction in Indonesia. It is observed during the full moon in May or June, with the ceremony centred at three Buddhist temples by walking from Mendut to Pawon and ending at Borobudur. The stages of life of Buddhism's founder, Gautama Buddha, which are celebrated at Vesak are his birth, enlightenment to Nirvana, and his passing (Parinirvana). (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

• Indonesia

  Buddhist followers lighting candles at Borobudur temple during Vesak Day, commonly known as "Buddha's birthday," at the Borobudur Mahayana Buddhist monument on May 17, 2011 in Magelang, Indonesia. Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the monument anually, which makes it the most visited tourist attraction in Indonesia. It is observed during the full moon in May or June, with the ceremony centred at three Buddhist temples by walking from Mendut to Pawon and ending at Borobudur. The stages of life of Buddhism's founder, Gautama Buddha, which are celebrated at Vesak are his birth, enlightenment to Nirvana, and his passing (Parinirvana). (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

• Taiwan

  A mother assists her child to wash a statue of baby Buddha on Taiwan's national Buddha's birthday in Taipei, Taiwan, Sunday, May 8, 2011. Buddhists in Taiwan celebrate his birthday by using fragrant water to bathe statues of Buddha. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

• South Korea

  Shaven-headed young boys wearing 3-D glasses touch smart phones at SK Telecom Ubiquitous Museum in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, May 9, 2011. A group of children entered a temple, the main temple of Korean Buddhism's Chogye Order, to experience a monk's life for a month to celebrate Buddha's birthday on May 10.(AP Photo/ Lee Jin-man)

• South Korea

  South Korean Buddhists carry lanterns during a lantern festival to celebrate the birthday of Buddha, which falls on May 10, at the Chogye temple in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, May 8, 2011.(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

• South Korea

  South Korean Buddhists carry a huge dragon lantern during a lantern festival to celebrate the upcoming birthday of Buddha on May 10, on a street in Seoul, Saturday, May 7, 2011. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

• South Korea

  South Korean Buddhists carry lanterns during a lantern festival to celebrate the upcoming birthday of Buddha on May 10, on a street in Seoul, Saturday, May 7, 2011. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon).

• South Korea

  Buddhist believers hold lanterns to celebrate the upcoming birthday of Buddha on May 10, in front of Seoul's City Hall, in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, April 26, 2011. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

• Indonesia

  Buddhist monks release lanterns into the air on Borobudur temple during Vesak Day, commonly known as "Buddha's birthday," at the Borobudur Mahayana Buddhist monument on May 28, 2010 in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. Annually, Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the monument, which makes it the most visited tourist attraction in Indonesia. It is observed during the full moon in May or June, with the ceremony centred at three Buddhist temples by walking from Mendut to Pawon and ending at Borobudur. The stages of life of Buddhism's founder, Gautama Buddha, which are celebrated at Vesak are his birth, enlightenment to Nirvana, and his passing (Parinirvana). (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

• Indonesia

  Buddhist followers release lantern into the air on Borobudur temple during Vesak Day, commonly known as "Buddha's birthday," at the Borobudur Mahayana Buddhist monument on May 28, 2010 in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. Annually, Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the monument, which makes it the most visited tourist attraction in Indonesia. It is observed during the full moon in May or June, with the ceremony centred at three Buddhist temples by walking from Mendut to Pawon and ending at Borobudur. The stages of life of Buddhism's founder, Gautama Buddha, which are celebrated at Vesak are his birth, enlightenment to Nirvana, and his passing (Parinirvana). (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

• Indonesia

  Buddhist monks release lanterns into the air on Borobudur temple during Vesak Day, commonly known as "Buddha's birthday," at the Borobudur Mahayana Buddhist monument on May 28, 2010 in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. Annually, Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the monument, which makes it the most visited tourist attraction in Indonesia. It is observed during the full moon in May or June, with the ceremony centred at three Buddhist temples by walking from Mendut to Pawon and ending at Borobudur. The stages of life of Buddhism's founder, Gautama Buddha, which are celebrated at Vesak are his birth, enlightenment to Nirvana, and his passing (Parinirvana). (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

• South Korea

  Young South Korean Buddhist devotees pray under rows of lotus lanterns at the Chogye Temple in Seoul on May 1, 2009 one day ahead of the Buddha's birthday. A group of nine children is staying at the temple to learn about Buddhism for 18 days ahead of celebrations for Buddha's birthday on May 2. ( JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images)

• Indonesia

  Hundreds of lanterns are illuminated for the Buddhist meditation on Borobudur Temple on Vesak Day, commonly known as "Buddha's birthday," at the Borobudur Mahayana Buddhist monument on May 9, 2009 in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. Annually, Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the monument, which makes it the most visited tourist attraction in Indonesia. During the full moon in May or June, the commemoration is observed with the ceremony centered at three Buddhist temples by walking from Mendut to Pawon and ending at Borobudur. The stages of life of Buddhism's founder, Gautama Buddha, which are celebrated at Vesak are his birth, enlightenment to Nirvana, and his Parinirvana or passing. (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

• Sri Lanka

  A lit lantern carrying the image of Buddha is seen on Vesak day in Colombo on May 8, 2009. Wesak, the holiest day in the Buddhist calendar, is commemorated to celebrate the birth, enlightenment and death of Lord Buddha. (LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI/AFP/Getty Images)

What do you get for the man who has attained perfect enlightenment? That depends on where in the world you are celebrating.

Buddha's birthday, known as Vesak Day (or Wesak), is celebrated on various dates in the spring throughout the world, and each Buddhist culture has its own traditions for the day. It is usually observed during the first full moon in May.

Buddhists celebrate the Buddha's three most important life stages on Vesak: Birth, Enlightenment and Death, which traditionally are said to all have happened on the same day of the calendar throughout his life. The birth story is important because the Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal, while his mother stood holding onto a tree. Once born he is said to have taken seven steps forward after which a lotus flower arose from each footstep. He then declared that this was his last rebirth and that he would become an enlightened individual.

In South Korea, followers light lotus lanterns that cover the temples in remembrance of these lotus footsteps. In Sri Lanka, where colorful lanterns are also used, elaborate electric light displays depict different stories from the Buddha's life. In Indonesia, Buddhists light and release lanterns into the air while visiting the Borobudur temple. In Taiwan, followers pour fragrant water over Buddha statues to symbolizing a fresh start in life. In Singapore, devotees set caged birds free on the Buddha's birthday.

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Comments

[bodymind]

03:14 PM on 05/26/2012

Amazing post. Buddha is one of the greatest people that have ever walked on Earth, and I hope his teachings will never be forgotten. Here's a nice article on Buddha's early life for anyone interested: http://theunboundedspirit.com/the-story-of-the-buddhas-childhood/

[annedyth]

05:49 PM on 05/09/2012

NYC123, I am not makeing a joke, nor by your response do you reguard it as one.
Oh BTW, HAPPY BELATED Vesak greetings!
I don't follow Buddha either, but I do admire him....

[HawaiiSteve]

03:10 PM on 05/08/2012

It is a real shame that some feel the need to denigrate the Buddha on his birthday. I wonder how you Christians would feel if I decided to publicly insult Jesus on Christmas? When it comes to faith, I believe that it is more important to practice love and compassion. It really doesn't matter who you venerate, as long as you try to lead a good life. Hate for others is not part of the process!

Namo Amida Bu!

[Myoho Mod]

01:52 PM on 05/08/2012

Man made, yes
Drivel, no

[seektruefaith]

09:42 AM on 05/08/2012

(PART 1 OF 4)

Siddhattha Gotama (Buddha) was born in May of 623 B.C. in the district of Nepal an Indian Sakyan Prince. At age 16 he married his cousin, and for nearly 13 years had a happy marriage and luxurious life, blissfully ignorant of the vicissitudes of life outside the palace gates. At 29, his son Rāhula was born. He regarded his offspring as an impediment, for he realized that all without exception were subject to birth, disease, and death. He decided to find a remedy for this universal sickness of humanity. So renouncing his royal pleasures, he cut his hair and left home one night. The accounts tell us that he pursued a course of meditation, fasting, and extreme self-denial, yet he found no spiritual peace or enlightenment.

Eventually he came to realize that his extreme course of self-denial was as useless as the life of self-indulgence that he had led before. He now adopted what he called the Middle Way, avoiding the extremes of the life-styles that he had been following. Deciding that the answer was to be found in his own consciousness, he sat in meditation for weeks until he supposedly transcended all knowledge and understanding and reached enlightenment. By this process, in Buddhist terminology, Gautama became the Buddha - the Awakened, or Enlightened One.

[Tenjikuronin]

04:14 PM on 05/10/2012

Just as a side note - In 623 B.C. Nepal did not exist.

[seektruefaith]

09:42 AM on 05/08/2012

(PART 2 OF 4)

The Buddha taught that enlightenment and salvation - the perfection of Nirvana - come, not from any God or external force, but from within a person by his own effort in good deeds and right thoughts. This raises the question: Can something perfect come out of something imperfect? As the Hebrew prophet Jeremiah stated, that “to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step”? (Jeremiah 10:23) If no one is able to have total control of his actions even in simple day-to-day matters, is it logical to think that anyone can work out his eternal salvation all by himself? (Psalm 146:3, 4).

Just as a man mired in quicksand is not likely to free himself from it on his own, likewise all mankind is entrapped in sin and death, and no one is capable of extricating himself from this entanglement. (Romans 5:12) Yet, the Buddha taught that salvation depends solely on one’s own effort. His parting exhortation to his disciples was to “rely on yourselves and do not rely on external help; hold fast to the truth as a lamp; seek salvation alone in the truth; look not for assistance to anyone besides yourself.”

[seektruefaith]

09:41 AM on 05/08/2012

(PART 3 OF 4)

What is the effect of such a doctrine? Does it inspire its believers to true faith and devotion? The book Living Buddhism reports that in some Buddhist countries, even “monks give little thought to the sublimities of their religion. The attainment of Nirvāna is widely thought to be a hopelessly unrealistic ambition, and meditation is seldom practiced.

Although it is customary to speak of Buddhism as one religion, in reality it is divided into several schools of thought. Based on different interpretations of the nature of the Buddha and his teachings, each has its own doctrines, practices, and scriptures. These schools are further divided into numerous groups and sects, many of which are heavily influenced by local cultures and traditions. Buddhism has been reduced to doing good and following a few rituals and simple precepts. It does not come to grips with life’s perplexing questions, such as: Why are we here? And what is the future for man and the earth? Some sincere Buddhists have recognized the confusion and disillusionment that arise from the complicated doctrines and burdensome rituals of Buddhism as it is practiced today.

[seektruefaith]

09:40 AM on 05/08/2012

(PART 4 OF 4)

Gautama the Buddha had next to nothing to say about God; neither did he ever claim to be God. In fact, it is said that he told his disciples, “If there is a God, it is inconceivable that He would be concerned about my day-to-day affairs,” and “there are no gods who can or will help man.” In this sense, Buddhism’s role in mankind’s search for the true God is minimal. In its emphasis on each person’s seeking salvation on his own, turning inward to his own mind or consciousness for enlightenment, Buddhism is really agnostic, if not atheistic.

Because of this independent way of thinking, the result is a veritable labyrinth of legends, traditions, complex doctrines, and interpretations generated by the many schools and sects over the centuries. What was meant to bring a simple solution to the complicated problems of life has resulted in a religious and philosophical system that is beyond the comprehension of most people. Instead, the average follower of Buddhism is simply preoccupied with worshiping idols and relics, gods and demons, spirits and ancestors, and performing many other rituals and practices that have little to do with what Gautama the Buddha taught. Clearly, seeking enlightenment without God does not work.

[Myoho Mod]

01:56 PM on 05/08/2012

Nobody worships idols or relics in Buddhism. There is no such thing as god in Buddhism. You have no idea what you are talking about

[seektruefaith]

03:54 PM on 05/08/2012

Isn't Buddha an idol that people worship?

[seektruefaith]

03:33 PM on 05/09/2012

@ Myoho Mod:

Didn't they make Buddha into an idol? Buddha statues are in temples, gardens and homes. By having such, isn't that giving reverence to a person that existed - making them an idol to admire and remember?

I stated that the Buddha did not believe in God and that Buddhism is agnostic, if not atheistic.

[NYC123]

06:56 AM on 05/08/2012

Huff Subscriber's Comment
How sad for you (i.e., you do not recognize the divineness of Buddha).

My reply!
God the Father the Creator of All Things has given undeserving mankind a savor in Jesus, God's Only Begotten Son! This is not a fairy tail -- for time as we know it is a daily reminder to his presence -- and the Savior reminded that he is! For we are living 2012 forward from the year of our Savior's birth year!

The One Universal God, Our Father in Heaven has given man a Savior; so great a spirit person that God proclaimed in Scripture: "All heads will bow, and knees bend at the mention of his his very name!" Hallelujah, Hallelujah!

[Classof89]

07:23 AM on 05/08/2012

Your belief. Your choice.

[NYC123]

07:28 AM on 05/08/2012

I agree! ..For we are all free agents as mortals.....and therefore responsible for our actions!

[annedyth]

10:01 AM on 05/08/2012

I will not bow my head , I will not bend my knee. And I will never ever worship that god.

[NYC123]

01:15 PM on 05/08/2012

When Jesus @Judgement says "I am he, your Savior -- and I forgive you!" You'll cry like a baby in humble appreciation of his love, and mercy -- that is beyound mortal man's discernment.

[HawaiiSteve]

04:50 AM on 05/08/2012

Many joyous birthday wishes to the Tathagata!

Namo Amida Bu!

[Ari B Canaan]

11:28 PM on 05/07/2012

Finally! Something to make me feel good, in a serene sort of way (could it be a "happiness"?) after an otherwise miserable day. Happy birthday, Buddha. Om mane padme hom.

[WinstonOno]

11:25 AM on 05/07/2012

May all beings be free of suffering.
May all beings be free of delusions.
May all beings be free from anger, fear, jealousy, hatred, depression.
May all find happiness.

[Shimon de Valencia]

12:43 AM on 05/07/2012

Growing up when it was tempting fate to admit you were a folower of te Holy Buddha's teachings it is joyous to see stories like this. May you find the Enlightened One within you. And see that the face looking back at you is yours. Let us never forget, as the Buddha said, 'cling to permanence at your peril.'. May all your moments be joyous.

[Jason Sundar]

08:52 PM on 05/06/2012

Very beautiful pictures! Impressive!

[ManuOB1]

08:50 AM on 05/06/2012

Bad marketing. If Buddha's Birthday, Enlightenment and Death were spread throughout the year, they could celebrate three separate holidays instead of just one.

[bobbrowntown]

01:01 AM on 05/08/2012

Nirvana day is celebrated in early to mid February. It is the day of the Buddha's death in many cultures. Buddha died enlightened so his death is celebrated with peacefulness, rather than dying on a cross, tortured.