Vesak 2010 celebrations in Perth
On VesÄkha Day 2010, Buddhists all over the world commemorate events of significance to Buddhists of all traditions: The birth, enlightenment and the passing away of the historical Gautama Buddha about 2,500 years ago in India.
Some temples also display a small image of the baby Buddha in front of the altar in a small basin filled with water and decorated with flowers, allowing devotees to pour water over the statue.
Members of the public are welcome to join in the Vesak observations at the following Buddhist temples:
Australia Buddhist Bliss Culture Mission (Willeton) on Sunday 23rd May starting at 10am more info
Sri Lankan Vihara’s special Vesak lantern can be viewed on the 29th, 30th and 31st from 6.30 ā 8.30pmĀ at 78, Austin Avenue, Kenwick.
Buddhist Society of Western Australia (Nollamara) on Sunday 30th May 6pm more info
The decision to agree to celebrate VesÄkha as the Buddhaās birthday was formalized at the first Conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists held in Sri Lanka in 1950, although festivals at this time in the Buddhist world are a centuries-old tradition. The Resolution that was adopted at the World Conference reads as follows:
| ā | That this Conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists, while recording its appreciation of the gracious act of His Majesty, the Maharaja of Nepal in making the full-moon day of Vesak a Public Holiday in Nepal, earnestly requests the Heads of Governments of all countries in which large or small number of Buddhists are to be found, to take steps to make the full-moon day in the month of May a Public Holiday in honour of the Buddha, who is universally acclaimed as one of the greatest benefactors of Humanity. | ā |
