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[[File:Wesak - Leadbeater.jpg|thumb|upright=1. | <languages /> | ||
[[File:Wesak - Leadbeater.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|<translate><!--T:1--> Illustration showing the Wesak festival, from C. W. Leadbeater, ''The Masters and the Path''</translate>]] | |||
Traditionally, when the sun is in Taurus—the sign of the builders—and the moon is full in Scorpio, Buddhist communities throughout the world commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and [[parinirvana]] (final nirvana) of the [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]]. This celebration, known as '''Wesak''', derives its name from the month in the Indian lunar calendar in which it occurs—''Wesak'' or ''Vesak'' (Sinhalese), from the Sanskrit ''Vaisakha''. | <translate> | ||
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Traditionally, when the sun is in Taurus—the sign of the builders—and the moon is full in Scorpio, Buddhist communities throughout the world commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and [[parinirvana]] (final nirvana) of the [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]]. This celebration, known as '''Wesak''', derives its name from the month in the Indian lunar calendar in which it occurs—''Wesak'' or ''Vesak'' (Sinhalese), from the Sanskrit ''Vaisakha''—corresponding to April-May on the Western calendar.<ref>Different nations in Asia use slightly different versions of the lunar calendar, sometimes resulting in Wesak being celebrated on different dates. The Summit Lighthouse celebrates Wesak on the Taurus full moon.</ref> | |||
== The festival == | == The festival == <!--T:3--> | ||
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On this date, disciples and bodhisattvas, [[angel]]s and [[elemental]]s gather in a valley in the Himalayas to receive the benediction of Lord Gautama, as he addresses his disciples throughout the world, contacting them on the many planes of their evolving consciousness and blessing all life as his flame encompasses the earth. Some say that the Buddha is seen physically by certain adepts and devotees as he brings his “flood of blessing” to the earth. | On this date, disciples and bodhisattvas, [[angel]]s and [[elemental]]s gather in a valley in the Himalayas to receive the benediction of Lord Gautama, as he addresses his disciples throughout the world, contacting them on the many planes of their evolving consciousness and blessing all life as his flame encompasses the earth. Some say that the Buddha is seen physically by certain adepts and devotees as he brings his “flood of blessing” to the earth. | ||
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Buddhists celebrate Wesak, the most important festival in the Buddhist world, by meditating on the life and teachings of Lord Gautama, reciting scriptures, fasting, distributing food and money to the monks and the poor, and processioning around Buddhist temples and holy places. It is also the time for the sacrifice of the elements of the lower nature, that the higher nature of God may descend into one’s temple. Most importantly, the day serves as a reminder for Buddhists that like the Compassionate One, they, too, must attain enlightenment. | Buddhists celebrate Wesak, the most important festival in the Buddhist world, by meditating on the life and teachings of Lord Gautama, reciting scriptures, fasting, distributing food and money to the monks and the poor, and processioning around Buddhist temples and holy places. It is also the time for the sacrifice of the elements of the lower nature, that the higher nature of God may descend into one’s temple. Most importantly, the day serves as a reminder for Buddhists that like the Compassionate One, they, too, must attain enlightenment. | ||
== Celebration in The Summit Lighthouse == | == Celebration in The Summit Lighthouse == <!--T:6--> | ||
Next to the birthday of [[Jesus Christ]], Wesak is the highest holy day of | <!--T:7--> | ||
Next to the birthday of [[Jesus Christ]], Wesak is the highest holy day of the year for students of the ascended masters. During your Wesak service, give “Buddhist Mantras” (number 625) and hymns to Gautama Buddha. Call for the protection of all souls who are to achieve enlightenment and attain union with God in this age. Ask Lord Gautama to help you transcend the lower nature. | |||
Play a Wesak address by Gautama Buddha as part of your service. After the dictation, you may wish to serve [[Buddha's pudding]] (a rice pudding) to commemorate the rich rice milk served to Gautama Buddha before his meditation under the Bo tree. The rice milk refreshed him so that he was strong enough to receive enlightenment. | <!--T:8--> | ||
Play a Wesak address by Gautama Buddha as part of your service. After the [[dictation]], you may wish to serve [[Buddha's pudding]] (a rice pudding) to commemorate the rich rice milk served to Gautama Buddha before his meditation under the Bo tree. The rice milk refreshed him so that he was strong enough to receive enlightenment. | |||
== See also == | == See also == <!--T:9--> | ||
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[[Gautama Buddha]] | [[Gautama Buddha]] | ||
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[[Buddha's pudding]] | [[Buddha's pudding]] | ||
== For more information == | == For more information == <!--T:12--> | ||
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Read about Wesak, Gautama’s initiations and your own potential to become a Buddha in the messenger’s series “The Message of the Inner Buddha” (''Pearls of Wisdom'', vol. 32, nos. 28–30). | Read about Wesak, Gautama’s initiations and your own potential to become a Buddha in the messenger’s series “The Message of the Inner Buddha” (''Pearls of Wisdom'', vol. 32, nos. 28–30). | ||
== Sources == | == Sources == <!--T:14--> | ||
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{{POWref|26|19|, May 8, 1983}} | {{POWref|26|19|, May 8, 1983}} | ||
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{{POWref|28|25|, June 23, 1985}} | {{POWref|28|25|, June 23, 1985}} | ||
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{{POWref|32|28|, July 9, 1989}} | {{POWref|32|28|, July 9, 1989}} | ||
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Holy Days Calendar, April 1994. | Holy Days Calendar, April 1994. | ||
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