Från Sravasti Abbey: "Saka Dawa (or Vesak Day) is the anniversary of the Buddha's birth, awakening, and passing away. In these challenging times, Buddha's compassionate wisdom teachings offer guidance and support to Buddhists and non-Buddhists, too. Saka Dawa is a special time to recall how learning and practicing Buddha's teachings help you now and in the future. It's a time to renew your resolve to develop ethical conduct, love, compassion, and wisdom and diminish afflicted mind states. On Saka Dawa, let's dedicate all goodness to relieve suffering, to sustain the teachings, and for our own awakening for the welfare of all beings. All merit accumulated on this special day is multiplied 100 million times."