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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Vesak Day, one of the most important and sacred |
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holidays to Buddhists worldwide, commemorates the life, |
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enlightenment, and death of the Buddha; and |
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WHEREAS, Born between 400 and 560 B.C., the Buddha, or |
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Siddhartha Gautama, was the son of an Indian king; after leaving |
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behind his home and his royal title to become an ascetic, he |
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resolved to find an end to human suffering, which led to him |
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identifying the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path |
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toward enlightenment; and |
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WHEREAS, Some 2,500 years later, followers of Buddhism honor |
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the legacy of the religion's founder on Vesak Day; depending on the |
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country where it is celebrated, the holiday occurs on the first full |
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moon of May, or on the full moon of the fourth lunar month; many |
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observe the holiday by reaffirming their commitment to the moral |
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precepts of Buddhism, performing good deeds, and devoting time to |
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chanting and meditation; other customs include lighting lanterns, |
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decorating with flowers, and enjoying traditional Asian dishes; and |
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WHEREAS, A multitude of Texans have found inspiration and |
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spiritual guidance in the Buddhist faith, and many worship at |
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temples and meditation facilities located in cities across the |
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state; in addition, the Buddhist community in Texas benefits from |
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the contributions of numerous organizations that work to support |
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followers of Buddhism and to preserve the religion's rich and |
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vibrant history; and |
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WHEREAS, The teachings of the Buddha have inspired millions |
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of people around the globe to strive for inner peace and to |
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demonstrate greater compassion, tolerance, and understanding in |
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their lives, and it is fitting to acknowledge the great importance |
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of Vesak Day to Buddhists who reside in the Lone Star State and |
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beyond; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize the significance of Vesak Day to |
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people of the Buddhist faith and extend sincere best wishes to the |
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state's Buddhist community for a festive and meaningful observance. |