Spirituality and the human
The next Full Moon in the month of May will – at the maximum time of Full Moon – will be fully hidden and eclipsed at the same time, on 26 May 2021. This particular full Moon is called a Super Full Moon (it is closer to the Earth) and a Blood Moon (it is a total lunar eclipse).
Buddhists all over the world will celebrate the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha today, May 26, a day that is also a public holiday in many south asian nations. However, Vesak Day this year will be a lot more muted once again considering the rise in community Covid-19 cases in these countries. Many public places, including places of worship, have had to stop in-person events and reduce their occupancies significantly. This means that many of the rituals, processions and temple visits that normally happen on Vesak Day will not be able to go on as planned. Despite the changes, Vesak Day is still an incredibly special day for Buddhists.
May 21 to be the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. Covid-19 had had significant impact on Cultural Diversity, Dialogue and Development. We look to the origin of this day, and what Sri Sathya Sai Baba tells about culture.
The International Day of Light is be held on May 16th every year, the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by physicist and engineer, Theodore Maiman. The laser is a perfect example of how a scientific discovery can yield revolutionary benefits to society in communications, healthcare and many other fields. The International Day of Light is not just about lasers and science. It also includes aspects of art, culture, entertainment – everywhere light is present in fact!
Adi Shankara Jayanti (birth anniversary) is observed on the 5th day during waxing of moon in the month of Vaisakha (April – May). It is the birth anniversary day of Adi Shankara. In 2021, the date of Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti is May 17. Scholars differ regarding the period in which Adi Shankara lived but his birthday is celebrated annually on the same day – on the 5th day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Vaisakha.
