The Meaning of Buddha's Birthday - Gratitude

While many spend their birthdays celebrating their birth and well being, some birthdays deserve a bit more. Although Buddha achieved enlightenment, but he was eager to stay behind and help others to do the same. In this sense, Buddha's Birthday should not only be about celebrating with parades and lanterns, but thanking him for believing and spreading his wisdom.

``It's about gratitude. We talk about Buddha's Birthday, but I like the Korean version: the day Buddha came,'' Chonggo sunim (``monk'' in Korean) told The Korea Times during an interview at the Jogyesa, or Jogye Temple Thursday.