The Lord Gautama Buddha attained omniscient knowledge while seated beneath the Bodhi tree, through the accumulated power of the perfections developed over countless lifetimes of practice. For this reason, Myanmar Buddhist people regard the full moon day of Kason as the most sacred and auspicious day.
As significant evidence, the full moon day of Kason (Buddha Day) is one of the most highly revered days for Buddhists. On this day, the Bodhisatta Sumedha, the hermit, received a prophecy from Buddha Dipankara that He would certainly become a Buddha in the future. It was also on the full moon day of Kason in the year 68 of the Maha Era that the future Buddha was born. Furthermore, it was on the full moon day of Kason in 103 Maha Era that He attained insight into the Four Noble Truths. Finally, it was on the full moon day of Kason in 148 Maha Era that He attained Parinibbana (final passing away). Thus, this auspicious day is associated with these four significant events.
As an international movement in September 1999, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka submitted a proposal to the United Nations to have it officially recognized as a global public holiday. Subsequently, the United Nations designated the Buddha Day on the full moon day of Kason as an international public holiday known as the Vesak Universal Holiday.
Buddhists have long practised venerating and worshipping the Buddha. They cherish the tradition of watering Bodhi trees, as the Buddha attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree in the month of Kason, which falls during the hottest period of summer. During this time, water sources are at their lowest and most depleted. Therefore, in devotion to the Buddha, the practice of pouring water on the Bodhi tree has given rise to the “Bodhi Tree Watering Festival”.
Although the Lord Buddha attained Parinibbana, Myanmar Buddhists regard the Maha Bodhi tree as a representation of the Buddha, as it is believed to have emerged together with other significant sacred signs at the time of the Buddha-to-be’s birth. With this devotion, they perform the meritorious act of pouring scented water on Bodhi trees annually on the full moon day of Kason.
On this Buddha Day, Bodhi trees at pagodas and temples across the country are especially crowded with devotees who come to pour water on the sacred trees, making the occasion lively and vibrant throughout the nation with the perspectives of greeting the Bo trees and adjusting to the hot environment.
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