Vesak Full Moon and the Enlightened One

The full moon is regarded as an auspicious time for many cultures throughout the world. Meditation, rituals, and ceremonies are practiced. The full moon is known to affect the tides, sleep, behavior, mood, menstrual cycles, and mental health. It also affects the migratory patterns of birds. The May full moon, referred to as the Flower Moon or the Planting Moon, is special for a number of reasons. It also is known as the Vesak Moon in Asia.

Triple Blessing

Two and a half millennia ago, in the year 623 B.C., on Vesak, Siddhartha Gautama was born. It was also during Vesak that Siddhartha experienced perfect enlightenment - seeing the true nature of all things - and was then known by the title “Buddha,” which means the Enlightened One. Buddha’s life on Earth ended during the Vesak moon and he passed into Nirvana in his 80th year.

Having attained enlightenment the Buddha concluded that what he experienced could not be taught. However, if people lived ethically morally, they also could attain enlightenment. Many Buddhist believe that right action can help break the cycle of rebirth. Compassion and loving kindness are cornerstones of right action.

These five moral precepts are believed to help people to overcome the poisons of ignorance, greed and hatred:

1. Refrain from taking life, i.e., killing any living creature.

2. Refrain from taking what is not freely given, i.e., theft.

3. Refrain from misuse of the senses or sexual misconduct, i.e., overindulgence in sex or committing sexual offenses.

4. Refrain from wrong speech, i.e., lying or gossiping.

5. Refrain from intoxicants that cloud the mind, i.e., drugs or alcohol.

Divine Grace and Mercy

During this full moon period, the forces of enlightenment are released in great quantity and strong intensity. It is said that Light beings from throughout the universe descend from Shamballa, a spiritual center on the etheric plane, and hover above the mountains in Tibet to enjoy this time of celebration and shine their consciousness for the uplift of humanity. Divine Grace and Mercy are released for all of humanity. In celebration of Vesak, many people meditate, fast, light oil lamps and offer service to help others. Buddhists throughout the world view this as a very auspicious, blessed day.

~Gwendolyn Mitchell