WHEREAS, Vesak Day, one of the most important and sacred holidays to Buddhists worldwide, commemorates the life, enlightenment, and death of Buddha; and

WHEREAS, Born between 560 and 400 B.C.E., the Buddha, or Siddhartha Gautama, was the son of an Indian king. After leaving behind his home and his royal title to become an ascetic, he resolved to find an end to human suffering, which led him to identifying the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path toward enlightenment; and

WHEREAS, Some 2,500 years later, followers of Buddhism honor the legacy of the religions founder on Vesak Day. Depending on the country where it is celebrated, the holiday occurs on the Day of the Full Moon, which is the first full moon of May or on the full moon of the fourth lunar month; and

WHEREAS, This year Vesak Day will be observed on May 1, according to the lunar calendar; and

WHEREAS, In countries using the Gregorian calendar, Vesak Day is recognized annually on April 8; and

WHEREAS, Many observe the holiday by reaffirming their commitment to the moral precepts of Buddhism, performing good deeds, devoting time to chanting and meditation, and other customs, including lighting lanterns, decorating with flowers, and enjoying traditional Asian dishes; and

WHEREAS, Many Californians have found inspiration and spiritual guidance in the Buddhist faith, and many worship at temples and meditation facilities located in cities across the state; and

WHEREAS, The teachings of Buddha have inspired millions of people around the globe to strive for inner peace and to demonstrate greater compassion, tolerance, and understanding in their lives, and it is fitting to acknowledge the great importance of Vesak Day to the Buddhists who reside in California and beyond; and

WHEREAS, California has a large number of Buddhists, particularly from Asia; and

WHEREAS, The California State Assembly chaplains are a Buddhist married couple; and

WHEREAS, Buddhists have advocated for and made significant efforts to achieve peace, including the Walk for Peace form Houston to Washington, DC, organized by Buddhist monks, which gained hundreds of thousands of American supporters from all demographics; and

WHEREAS, The recent pilgrimage and example of mindfulness demonstrated by Thich Minh Tue has drawn international attention to the enduring power of Buddhist practice, humility, and peaceful devotion, inspiring many to reflect more deeply on the core teachings of compassion and simplicity; and

WHEREAS, Buddhists have advocated for, and made significant efforts to achieve, peace; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature recognizes the significance of Vesak Day to people of Buddhist faith and extends sincere wishes to the states Buddhist community in celebrating Vesak Day; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

ACR 141: Vesak Day.

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