Visakha Puja, is a big day for Buddhists (not that I’m an expert). To put it in Christian perspective (which, being a heathen and all, I am also no expert in), it’s a bit like Christmas, Good Friday, and Jesus’ realization at age 12 all rolled into one. Today (the day of the full moon in May) is the day that the Buddha was born, and also the day 35 years after that when he had his “self-awakening,” and also the day that, 45 years after that, he passed away into total Nibbāna (aka, Nirvana), from eating bad pork, I think.

So, whatever you do today, whether you offer flowers, candles, and incense in material homage (amisa-puja), or offer homage through “the practice” (meditation to develop the mind so that it may stand in its own inner goodness, independent of outside ickiness) — patipatti-puja (which is just downright fun to say, and something I would love to be able to master) — or just go out to the park with the puppies after work and try to become one with the trees for an hour before drinking yourself to sleep, Happy Buddha Day!

Oh, and lay off the pork.