Dhammic Life

Buddhists commemorate 3 historical blessed occasions on Wesak Day : the Birth of the Bodhisatta (Buddha to-be), the Enlightenment of the Bodhisatta (now called the Buddha) and the final Passing Away of the Buddha.

His Birth is a blessed occasion because He came out of compassion for all beings. He has toiled for many lifetimes perfecting the 10 perfections before finally achieving the required results. Thus, a Bodhisatta was born, fulfilling His vow to show all beings the way out of suffering.

On the Full Moon Day of Vesak month, 625 B.C.E., the Buddha to be (Bodhisatta) was born in Lumbini Park. Immediately after being born, he walked for seven steps, and there was a lotus holding him up at every step. He said he was the most exalted one in the world.








His Enlightenment is a blessed occasion because His enlightenment itself shows that all human beings can attain the highest mental purity without relying on external forces. Salvation is won by destroying greed, hatred and delusion. The Buddha Himself has walked the Path, and now He has taught the Dhamma for the sake of all beings with compassion. His Enlightenment opened the Door to Deathlessness again!
At dawn on the Full Moon Day of Vesak month, 588 B.C., the Buddha was enlightened on the Four Noble Truths, i.e., Suffering, the Cause of Suffering, the Cessation of Suffering, and the Way leading to the Cessation of Suffering. From then on began his mission to share the Dhamma with all beings who have little dust in their eyes so that they may attain Nibbana as he did. Buddhists who attained various stages of sainthood continue to spread the Noble Teachings today.









The Buddha's final Passing Away is a blessed occasion because He is free from Suffering forever. He is not trapped in the process of birth and death anymore. Thus is His glorious passing away!
The Buddha entered into Pari-Nibbana at the Sal grove in Kusinara city, 543 B.C.E., after preaching for the welfare of the people for forty-five years. His last message was :

"Appamadena Sampadetha Vaya Dhamma Sankhara."
"Work diligently. Component things are impermanent." (Maha Parinibbana Sutta)

How to honour the Buddha on this day? Read Ajahn Lee Dhammadaro's sermon at :
http://216.197.193.235/Dhamma/Talk/LeeVesak.htm
(Mandarin)

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/thai/lee/visakha.html
(English)