| VESAK DAY is a day of great
significance not only to Buddhists but also to advocates of peace, compassion
and unity. This day falls on the day of the full moon on the month of May
each year and marks three important events in the life Gautama Buddha.
It is the day of His Birth (583 B.C.); it was on this day that He subsequently
gained Enlightenment; and it was also on this day that He entered Parinirvana
(the passing away of Buddha's physical body).
Siddharta Gautama, more widely
known as the Buddha, lived and preached from 563 B.C. to 480 B.C. in northern
India, making Buddhism one of the oldest religions and philosophies of
mankind. His life and teachings have had a significant impact on other
religions, philosophies, morality and ways of life, beginning in Asia and
spreading across the other continents.
The teachings of Buddhism
are considered to be universal in nature. Buddhism propagates moderation
in one's life, non-violence, peacefCil co-existence, and consistent practice
of compassion, goodwill and loving-kindness. It teaches us to safeguard
and preserve resources and the natural environment as a means to respect
the lives of all beings.
In recognition of the above,
the United Nations in 1999, with the support of 80 member nations including
the Philippines, signed United Nations Resolution No. A/54/115 titled "An
International Recognition Day of the Vesak". The resolution called for
the annual observance and celebration of the Day of Vesak in all United
Nations Headquarters worldwide. In the same spirit, our very own President
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on March 29, 2001, through the initiative of the
Universal Wisdom Foundation, signed Proclamation No. 24 declaring the full
moon day of May every year as Vesak Day in the Philippines. These recognitions
illustrate the universality of Buddhism that has withstood changes throughout
time as aptly expressed by the great scientist Albert Einstein when he
said, "If there is one religion that can cope with modern scientific techniques,
that is Buddhism."
Stamp Design: Image of Gautama
Buddha with a World Peace Tower Stupa on the background signifying the
Buddha's universal message of peace, non-violence, compassion and wisdom
as summarized in the "Four Noble Truths" and "Eightfold Path" The lotus
flower represents the preservation of purity amidst adversities. The logo
of the Universal Wisdom Foundation signifies the worldwide relevance of
Buddhism spanning all races and cultures. It is on the Vesak Day of every
year, when we commemorate the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and Parinirvana,
that we are reminded to live up to these timeless messages of Buddha in
our daily lives. |
