Il giorno preciso della nascita del Buddha non è possibile stabilirlo ma, come avvenne per il natale cristiano di Gesù che fu posto in corrispondenza del solstizio invernale -periodo particolarmente sacro nella tradizione europea- nel sudest asiatico il natale di Shākyamuni venne indicato nel mese benedetto “wesak” in corrispondenza della luna piena (in Toro); questo è il tempo in cui il benefico monsone inizia la sua opera ristoratrice della vita. Tale decisione fu presa collegialmente dalle varie sette buddiste durante un concilio tenuto a Sri Lanka nel 1950, seguendo in ciò l’indicazione del re del Nepal che già aveva dichiarato la luna piena in Wesak come commemorativa della nascita, illuminazione e dipartita del Buddha. La storia del Buddha è conosciuta a tutti ed ognuno sa che egli meditò e praticò penitenze nella foresta e che infine si illuminò sotto un albero Bodhi (Ficus Religiosa).

On Wesak. The decision to agree to celebrate Wesak as the Buddha’s birthday was formalized at the first Conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists (W.F.B.) held in Sri Lanka in 1950, although festivals at this time in the Buddhist world are a centuries-old tradition. The Resolution that was adopted at the World Conference reads as follows, “That this Conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists, while recording its appreciation of the gracious act of His Majesty, the Maharaja of Nepal in making the full-moon day of Wesak a Public Holiday in Nepal, earnestly requests the Heads of Governments of all countries in which large or small number of Buddhists are to be found, to take steps to make the full-moon day in the month of May a Public Holiday in honour of the Buddha, who is universally acclaimed as one of the greatest benefactors of Humanity.”

Hence on Wesak Day, Buddhists all over the world commemorate three great events: The birth, enlightenment and the passing away of Gautama Buddha. As Buddhism spread from India to all parts of the world, the teachings were readily assimilated with the cultures of the people who accepted the teachings. As a result, Buddhist art and culture took on a rich variety of forms with profound gentleness and kindness as the Buddha expressly forbade the use of force. The practice of Buddhism was adapted in many ways to suit the nature of the various cultures that accepted it. As a result of this, Wesak is celebrated in many different ways all over the world. But in essence many practices have become universal. This sacred day is purely a religious festival, and not a festive occasion. On this day all Buddhists are expected to reaffirm their faith in the Buddha Dhamma and to lead a noble religious life. It is a day for meditation and for radiating Loving-Kindness.

Tratto da: Wesak Day – Karma Norbuling Buddhist Centre knbc.org.my/Activities/Wesak-Day.asp



Quest’anno la luna piena del Toro cade il 4 maggio 2015 e celebriamo il Wesak assieme al gruppo di canti e spirituali "Aria di Stelle" di Vignola (Mo), diretto da Mara Lenzi.