VESAK DAY 

Buddhists celebrate Vesak Day to remember the five auspicious occasions which occurred on the full moon of May.

They are:

1. The first prediction which the Bodhisatta (Buddha-to-be) received about his becoming a Buddha, from Dipankara Buddha many Kalpas ago.
2. The Bodhisatta, Prince Siddartha, was born about 2600 years ago in Lumbini Park (northern India) on a Friday, full moon day of May.
3. He attained Enlightenment and became a Buddha at the age of 35, under the Bodhi Tree at Buddha Gaya on full moon day of May.
4. The Twin Miracle the Buddha performed to subdue the pride of the royal members of the Sakya Clan. In the Twin Miracle, water and fire sprouted from hos body.
5. The Buddha passed away into Parinibbana at the Age of 80 at Kusinagara on full moon day of May.

On this day, out of gratitude, Buddhists ponder on the Boundless Compassion of Sakyamuni Buddha who teaches man to liberate himself from the suffering of the cycle of rebirths.