Every spring, under the gentle glow of the full moon, millions of Buddhists around the world gather in mindfulness to celebrate Vesak – It is said to be the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar. Whether you’re deeply rooted in Buddhist practice or simply drawn to the beauty of mindful living, Vesak offers a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with peace, compassion, and the wisdom of the Buddha.
In this post, I’ll share what Vesak is, some beautiful ways you can celebrate it, and at the end, I’ll offer a few reflections from my own heart and practice.
🌕 What is Vesak?
Let me start with some thoughts from Plum Village –
Reflections on the Buddha, his Teachings and the Ceremony of Vesak
Vesak (also known as Buddha Day or Wesak) honors three major events in the life of Gautama Buddha:
His birth
His enlightenment (nirvana)
His passing into final liberation (parinirvana)
All three are traditionally believed to have occurred on the same full moon in May.
This day is not just a memorial—it’s a living celebration of the timeless teachings that continue to bring peace and transformation to lives around the globe.
🪷 Vesak vs. Buddha Purnima
When looking for a nice article graphic I kept running into Happy Buddha Purnima and so I thought I would share the history and differences of these terms Vesak and Buddha Purnima.
Vesak is the international name recognized by the United Nations and used in many Theravāda Buddhist countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.
Buddha Purnima is the term commonly used in India, Nepal, and among Mahāyāna Buddhists.
“Purnima” means “full moon” in Sanskrit, so “Buddha Purnima” translates to “Full Moon of the Buddha.” Tonight is the Flower Moon according to the full moon calendar I could find online.
Despite the different names, both celebrate the same three key events in the Buddha’s life as mentioned above:
His birth
His enlightenment
His passing
So whether you call it Vesak, Buddha Purnima, Buddha Day, or something else, the spirit of the day is universal: honoring the Buddha’s path of wisdom, compassion, and liberation.
Vesak celebration ideas
Whether you’re part of a Buddhist community or exploring the path on your own, there are many simple and profound ways to honor this sacred day.
Personal Practices
Meditate – Sit in silent meditation or practice loving-kindness (metta).
Chant or read sutras – Engage with the Buddha’s teachings in your own voice. Yesterday I found the Morning Chant and The Insight that Brings us to the Other Shore very helpful on my journey.
Light a candle or lantern – Represent the light of wisdom overcoming ignorance.
Offer flowers or incense – Simple acts of reverence and beauty.
Acts of Compassion
Give generously (Dana) – Donate to those in need or support a local cause. You could donate to Plum Village via the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation or maybe you donate to The F.O.R. organization (Fellowship of Reconciliation) or maybe The King Center.
Practice mindful speech and actions – Be fully present and kind throughout your day.
Free captive animals – A traditional gesture of compassion in many cultures.
Join Community Celebrations
Attend a Vesak event at a local temple – Many temples hold beautiful ceremonies, chanting, and teachings. I was lucky to be on retreat this past week and we did a Vesak event that was very moving where we washed/rinsed the baby Buddha with water and took refuge in the 3 jewels.
Participate in a lantern walk – Symbolizing the journey from darkness to light.
Watch Dharma talks online – Many Buddhist teachers release Vesak content this time of year.
Creative & Heartfelt Ways
Create a mandala or sacred art – As a meditative offering to the Buddha. I’ve created a few mandalas and Buddhist inspired art and even a Green Tara painting series. Check them out as ideas to try.
Prepare a vegetarian meal mindfully – And share it with others. If you need help creating some Vegetarian meals check out this Vegetarian Recipe Pack to help you find yummy easy recipes. I’ve made several of these and love this digital cookbook.
Write a reflection or prayer – On compassion, awakening, or gratitude.
🪷 My Personal Vesak Reflection
I don’t recall when I first heard about Vesak but I think I shared about it before. Maybe on social media. What I can say is I didn’t know a whole lot about it nor did it become an ongoing celebration for me. However, this week I was at a Plum Village retreat in Austin and we celebrated Vesak together and it was very cool, sacred, and emotional for many including myself.
For me it is an idea to celebrate the Buddha who I am forever grateful for. His teachings changed my life. On Thursday the 8th our OI and Aspirant community had a ceremony where there was incense offered, chanting done, a brief overview, and then we washed the baby Buddha with ladles of water while we took refuge in the Buddha, in the Dharma, and in the Sangha which obviously was pretty powerful for me since this is the foundation of our sangha.
We also made offerings or laid gifts at the alter. People collected feathers or other natural things from our walking meditations earlier that day. Others shared Buddhists signs and other trinkets. I offer a note card where I did an ensō on one side and offered a poem that I recently found and loved about an Old Owl.
It was moving and there where many people choked up and even weeping with joy as the took refuge chanting to the Buddha. It was a powerful and joyous experience.
Here are a few quotes about the Buddha and/or the practice that really resonate with me and I feel good to reflect on today.
Happy Vesak, my friends!
If oyu’d like other ways to celebrate the Buddha and Buddhist philosopies please reach out and we can discuss how to join a virtual meeting.
“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”
“Our own life has to be our message.”
“This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.”
“The heart is like a garden. It can grow compassion or fear, resentment or love. What seeds will you plant this Vesak?”
“Buddha’s awakening is not a fairy tale. It’s a possibility within us all.”