Wesak is in honor of the Buddha, who endured both the luxury of his privileged youth, and the extreme asceticism of his early years of his spiritual journey to Nirvana.
Yet this is only the historical aspect of the Buddha.
Previously I mentioned the true meaning of Buddha as "wisdom and enlightenment".
This truth is the spiritual aspect of the Buddha. Indeed, this aspect of the Buddha is found in all people. Though the ignorant people may have "lost" it, the people who seek peace of mind are on their way to "find" it.
For the Buddha is as close to you as your heart.
Why else is that spark of compassion and wisdom called Buddha-nature? ;)
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Wesak occurs near the Spring Equinox.
Though it might have roots in ancient spring festivals, Wesak has become a festival of lights.
Just as Spring means the short winter days have end, the Buddha's Enlightenment symbolizes the spiritual awakening of one man.
After the Buddha died, Buddhism evolved into a democratic liberation for people who heard what the Buddha said and acted out of compassion for the people whose lives they touched.
Thus Wesak celebrates the compassion and wisdom of one man whose actions changed his society.
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