Visak , why is it so called?

12-5-2009

All Blessings To You!

On this very same full-moon day of the month of Vesakha (May), 2633 years ago, Siddhattha Bodhisatta was born in the Lumbini Park near Kapilavatthu ; 2598 years ago, he became a fully Enlightened One at the age of 35 under the Bodhi Tree at Buddha-Gaya ; 2553 years ago, the Buddha passed away at the age of 80 at Kusinara.

In fact, for Buddhists, Visak is of great significance for the above-mentioned three events of the Buddha; among those three too, the Enlightenment of the Buddha was the most important and significant event, since it did bring the light and freedom to the world, for this reason, he is called The Bringer of Light and Freedom. Accordingly indeed, his arising in this world was, is, and will be for the good, welfare and happiness of the multitude, for gods and men, and even for animals and beings in the lowest realms. It was on this very full-moon Day of Visak that it all started in this world and that the triumph of the Buddha himself and the world alike took place.

In reality, Visak is an adapted word for "Vesakha", which is a Pali month name. The month of "Vesakha" is called Ka Sone La in Myanmar, and usually coincides with May. This is the reason why it is so called Visak. Now the word "Visak" has become an international word, noted even on the United Nations calendar.

On this Visak Day, it is a common tradition for Buddhists all over the world to pour fragrant and pure water at the Bodhi Trees at the pagoda platforms or temples in commemoration of the Buddha or as a mark of honoring the Buddha, remembering his unique virtues and match-less qualities. In addition, Maha Paritta, some Suttas (Discourses) and Patthana are either individually or in groups chanted together with observing the precepts, teaching and listening to the Dhamma, cultivating loving-kindness and practicing meditation. In this way, on this full-moon Day of Visak, the followers of the Buddha all over the world spend their time rightly and wisely. It is on this very Visak-full-moon Day that the hearts of Buddhists are truly imbued with merit and virtues. What a marvelous, precious and lucrative Day for the Buddhists!

May You Do Good and Be At Peace on this Visak!