Vesak Festival in Sri Lanka: A Celebration of Light and Enlightenment – By Malsha – eLanka Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in Sri Lanka, marking the birth, enlightenment, and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha. Observed on the day of the full moon in the month of Vesakha (usually May), this sacred occasion is a time for reflection, devotion, and festive joy across the island nation. Historical and Religious Significance The Vesak festival traces its roots to the ancient Buddhist traditions and scriptures. It commemorates the three pivotal events in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha: his birth in Lumbini, Nepal; his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India; and his passing away at Kushinagar, India. These events are seen as milestones in the Buddhist journey towards the cessation of suffering and the attainment of Nirvana. In ...
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Rich legend of Lumbini – By Dr.Gamini Kariyawasam. Lumbini Vansaya Book PDF DOWNLOAD – Click Here This year’s Vesak festival brings cherished memories of the enchanting Lumbini, the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha. As we celebrate, it’s the perfect moment to delve into the rich legend of Lumbini, illuminated by recent archaeological discoveries. This article aims to bring the ancient allure of this sacred site to life, revealing its hidden stories and newfound treasures. – “Ananda, Lumbini is the birthplace of the Tathagatas ( Lord Buddha ) . It is a place where the devotees have to see and understand the impermanent nature. One who worships this place will be born in heaven after death in a good soul.” According to the Maha Parnirvana Sutra, Lumbini where Gautama Buddha was born, Buddha Gaya where he attained Buddhahood, Isipatanarama where he preached the Dhamma Chakra Sutra, and ...
“UNITED, WE STAND, DIVIDED, WE FALL” – By Des Kelly It is the first day of May, “MAYDAY”, as it is generally known. It was also a well known “Signal Of Distress”, an S.O.S. if you like, and after I read the Cardinal’s view of the recent happenings in Sri Lanka, I totally “second” everything he says. This is NOT THE TIME for infighting. Many lives have been lost, many more are still in hospital, some seriously ill, and the Government, who was RESPONSIBLE for it all, in the first place, because of utter complacency, are STILL not getting their PRIORITIES in order. As Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith puts it his way, on behalf of eLanka, in Australia, plus many thousands of other genuine Patriots, all over this Planet of ours, I send out one of the BIGGEST “Maydays” of my life, to the incumbent Government of Sri Lanka. Please STOP all this ...
