To Buddhists Enlightenment is a blessed state in which the individual attains Nirvana - the transcendence of desire and suffering.

The Buddha's death came when he was eighty years old, and had spent forty five years teaching after his Enlightenment.

He died in a state of meditation, and attained nirvana, a release from the cycle of death and rebirth.

Buddhists celebrate Parinirvana Day by meditating or by going to Buddhist temples or monasteries. As with other Buddhist festivals, celebrations vary throughout the world.

In monasteries, Vesak Day treated as a social occasion. Buddhist devotees prepare food and bring to the temple for offering to Buddha and the Mahasangha. They also bring presents such as money, household goods for the priest.

The day is used as an opportunity to reflect on the fact of one's own future death, and on friends or relations who have passed away. The idea that all things are transient is central to Buddhist teaching. Loss and impermanence are things to be accepted rather than causes of grief.

Please come to celebrate this most important day for Buddhist people.

To void all evil, to do good, to purify the mind - that is the Buddha's teaching.
(Sabba papassa akaranam, kusalassa upasampada , sacitta pariyodapanam. Ethan buddhanasasanam)

May you all be well and happy

Mallika