Prem Lal Chitrakar

Kathmandu:

Every year in Nepal and around the world where Buddhism has flourished as a religion, the full moon day in the month of May, popularly known as Baisakh Purnima on the BS lunar calendar, is observed as Buddha Jayanti to commemorate “The Triple Bless Day” in the life of Buddha - his birth, enlightenment and passing away. Various programmes are organised every year to pay reverence to the contributions made by this enlightened preacher for the salvation of humanity around the world. This year, the 2,549th Buddha Jayanti will also be celebrated as “Lumbini Day.” Lumbini Development Trust and the government are organising various programmes for three days at Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The world today is in dire need of a persona like Buddha. At a time when there is cruelty, degeneration and unrighteousness everywhere, Buddha’s teachings of equality, unity and cosmic love are very important. Buddha’s journey to enlightenment began at the age of 29, when realising the worldly happiness to be transitory, he abandoned his home and kingdom to devote himself entirely to spiritual pursuit. After the attainment of nirvana (full illumination), he travelled the subcontinent and preached his gospel. Many consider him a prophet of Vishnu besides the founder of Buddhism.

Thirty four member countries of UN had passed a resolution at the 79th plenary meeting of the United Nations, on December 15, 1999, to recognise Buddha Purnima as a day of international recognition at its headquarters and other United Nations offices. But this resolution has not been implemented yet. The major concern of peaceloving people in the world should be focussed on making UN implement the adopted resolution at least from year 2006, many say. This would be true acknowledgement of the contributions that Buddhism, one of the oldest religions in the world, has made to humanity. Nepal is not only the birthplace of Lord Buddha but it is also the land where all the various forms of Buddhism are practised. There are many books in Buddhist literature written in different languages. These need to be brought to the notice of the world. These treasures of Nepal must be systematically collected, studied, translated and published under the initiative of the UN for the benefit of mankind.

The Eightfold Path

•Good Conduct

•Right Speech

•Right Action

•Right Livelihood

•Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration

•Right Effort

•Right Understanding

•Right Thought