This weekend was the special weekend because people around the world (especially Buddhists) observed International 'Buddha Day' paying obeisance to Lord Buddha and wishing for world peace. The day was not only the birthday of 'Lord Buddha', but also the day of his enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana (death of the Buddha). The day falls on the full moon day in the Nepali month of Baishakh, on May 21 this year.
That day, Siddhartha Gautama (the Lord Buddha, the light of peace) was born in the famous gardens of Lumbini, Nepal. After that, this place became a place of pilgrimage. This is the very auspicious day not only for Buddhists around the world but also for all peace lovers. People from the entire World mark this day as a day to spread peace, love, and harmony in the world.
Every year, UN observes this day as the Day of Vesak with Buddhist organizations and communities to spread the message of world peace. Now, every nation and world leaders should mark this day to end war around the world. It's the right time to commit to ending wars of hatred around the world. No more war in the world, please.
Photo: United Nations
Celebrating Buddha's day means making special efforts to bring happiness to the unfortunates. We all are unfortunates as long as the wars of hatred exist in the world. Let's advocate for the unacceptability of war. On the occasion of this auspicious day, let's commit to raising our hands against the war in the world. Its right time to not only spread the message of Buddha's birthplace but also spread the message of lord Buddha. You don't need to be Buddhist to spread the message of peace in the world. Any people from any religion- even non-religious - also can spread the message of world peace.
This day is observed across the world by organizing various programs. To promote and propagate Buddha's philosophy, nationally as well as internationally, Government of Nepal initiated and organized various events including the first World Buddhist Summit in 1998, International Buddhist Conference in 2001, second World Buddhist Summit in 2004 and International Buddhist Conference in 2014. Nepal has been celebrating Buddha's day every year on the full moon day of Baisakh, which is good to spread the message of Lord Buddha.
Ashoka Pillar. It is one of many stone pillars built by the Indian Emperor Ashoka during his reign in the 3rd century BC. Photo : Nepal Government.
Yes, any government's effort can't be enough unless all people around the world don't join their hands for peace and end of war. As Gautama Buddha said, greater in battlethan the man who would conquer thousand-thousand men, is he who would conquer just one -himself. Better to conquer yourself than others.
Buddha in a movie. Buddha Born in Nepal is Nepali film directed by Gyanendra Deuja, starring Ramit Dhungana in the lead role. The story of the movie is written by actor Ramit Dhungana, and the film is produced by himself. This film is made to give the message to the world that Buddha was born in Nepal.