Purify mind first and foremost to tread the panchsheela path of virtuous life: Buddhist message of Vesak

"This sacred day (of Vesak) is a time to reflect on the Buddha’s teachings, including the need to work for peace and justice, recognize our common humanity, respect and preserve the nature that surrounds us, and cultivate humility and compassion. The Buddha taught that we are but guests visiting this world, and for over 2,500 years, those who adhere to these teachings have enriched and strengthened this world we share. As we mark Vesak, we honour the American Buddhists who contribute so much to our country and advance our common values," stated President Joe Biden of the United States while continuing the Administration’s tradition of celebrating the holiday that commemorates Buddha’s birth, death and enlightenment.

On the day of Vesak, the followers of Buddhism often wear white clothes; read teachings of the Buddha; decorate their homes and temple with lanterns, buntings and flags; commit to virtuous life of pachsheelas, pray, meditate and perform charitable acts. The white colour symbolises purity that is gained by making mind evil-free or free from worldly cravings.

 The followers have to renew their commitment to follow the five moral precepts, virtues or purification acts called 'panchsheela'. The virtuous life dawns through purification through ethical training called 'sheela.' In Buddhism, the five evils are violence, stealing, transgression, lying including gossip, and consuming intoxicants

  •  Abstaining from killing
  • Abstaining from stealing,
  • Abstaining from sexual misconduct and transgression
  • Abstaining from falsehood
  • Abstaining from taking intoxicants

Foolishly, we get caught into net of evils, the Buddhism encourages the cleansing process. When the mind is free from evils, we are able to tread the right path. Only a pure mind has the ability to do what is ought to be done.

 The Buddha had said, "We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves."

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