Today’s full moon coincides with Buddha’s birthday (in the Tibetan calendar), and many people are considering this as an auspicious day and week.
The birthday of the historical Buddha is celebrated on different dates by various schools of Buddhism. In most of Asia it is observed on the first full moon date of the fourth month in the Chinese lunar calendar (typically May). But in other parts of Asia the day falls a month or more either earlier or later. (link)
My friend K. told me about this coincidence, and how I should declare my dearest wishes of my heart from today until the weekend. Although not superstitious by nature, and though I believe that we are our own genies and Buddhas and luck, I love events and celebrations that aren’t the usual Christian occasions. And I can’t pass up the opportunity to make some of my wishes known — as a sort of affirmation as well that these are the things I want to see and achieve in my lifetime:
Dear Brother Buddha, Sister Moon:
The dearest wishes of my heart are:
*For the the new government to keep their promises about truly prioritizing education, reproductive health (and not be controlled by religion), livelihood programs and speedy prosecution of corrupt public officials
*For the healing of our nation
*For the Catholic Church to truly become separate from the government and become champions of the disadvantaged and marginalized by leading by example through active faith
*For Metro Manila to eventually transform into a well-planned, green city in my lifetime
*For my business to grow by 2011 into a successful, highly profitable and scalable social enterprise that will make a positive impact on many communities in Metro Manila
*For many private social enterprises grow and succeed as well
*For R. and I’s relationship to strengthen, inspire and blossom more and more as the years go on
*For my stepfather’s business venture to succeed and become highly profitable within the year
*For my brother’s emotional healing and discovery of his own direction in life
*For my youngest brother to fulfill his dream of running a full marathon someday
*For my friend Leah — may she find treatment within this year that will heal her spine and other infirmities so she can live a fuller, happier life
*For my dog Ms.M: that the tumor growing on her leg spontaneously heal and subside without needing an operation, and for her to live for many years yet
*To have my own home within two years from now with a yard in a nice, safe (but not very posh) community
Thank you very much,
N.