The Origin of "Buddhist Era" (B.E.)
In 1957, the "World Fellowship of Buddhists" (W.F.B.) convened in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu. At that time, the participants, including many famous Buddhist scholars and great monks from all over the world, laid down that the "Buddhist Era" (B.E.), counting from the year of Buddha's birth, is defined in the way that the year 1957 A.D. is corresponding to 2500 B.E.
Yet there were two dissenting countries that didn't accept this decision: The Korean Buddhists and those of Sri Lanka. They insisted that 1957 A.D. was equivalent to 2501 B.E., thus proceeding one year "faster" than according to the W.F.B. council's decision. So in these two countries, 2007 A.D. is considered to be 2551 B.E.
The ceremonial calendar in the International Zen-Temple, however, follows the W.F.B.'s rules.
Die Ursprung der Buddhistischen Zeitrechnung
Im Jahre 1957 wurde in der nepalesischen Hauptstadt Kathmandu eine Konferenz des "World Fellowship of Buddhists" (W.F.B.) abgehalten. Dort wurde durch die Teilnehmer, unter ihnen viele hervorragende buddhistische Gelehrte und bedeutende Mönche von überall her, die "Buddhistische Zeitrechnung" (B.E. für "Buddhist Era"), die mit dem Jahr der Geburt Buddhas beginnt, in der Weise festgelegt, dass das Jahr 1957 n.Chr. dem Jahr 2500 B.E. entspricht.
The Buddha's Birthday Celebration
Along with Buddhists all over the world, once in a year, on the 8th day of the 4th month according to the lunar calendar, the practitioners of the International Zen-Temple celebrate Shakyamuni Buddha's birthday. This holiday is anteceded by a preparation period, during which the practitioners make themselves ready for the great event, trying to make their minds pure and clear by the practice of prayer. They also convence at several days in the temple to manufacture the colorful lotus lanterns out of many single paper leaves, thus following an old tradition in Korea Buddhism. As well, sweet cakes are baken by the temple's members, in accordance with the joyful character of the feast.
At Buddha's birthday itself, the celebrating monk holds a special ceremony that also includes the lighting of the lotus lanterns. In the case that a practitioner, after having built his or her lantern, had formulated a special wish, the celebrating monk will pray for its fulfillment during the ceremony.
Usually, the Buddha's birthday's ceremony is combined with the solemn ritual of Su-Ge-Shik, i.e. the special ceremony through which practitioners receive the Five Precepts for Lay People.
Ven. Zen Master Young-san Seong Do said,
»The lotus lantern is a symbol of enlightenment, and Buddha’s Birth means the very true face of yours. You should understand that praying to Buddha is a practice of seeing your true nature by making your mind empty with Koan.«
