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Nearly 2,500 years after Siddhartha was born, Buddhists in Korea commemorated his birth on Monday in thousands of temples and homes across the country.
For weeks before the day temples have been decked out with colorful lanterns with people's wishes attached to them by strings.
One of highlights of the day is the washing of the Buddha statues. By bathing little Buddhas, Buddhists believe they are also cleaning the Buddha in their minds. It's an act meant to cleanse a person's soul that's tainted by affliction and distress.
To mark the occasion President Lee Myung-bak issued a message saying the Buddha's teachings are invaluable in helping Korea to move forward. Echoing the Buddhist teachings he called for Koreans to overcome differences and reach harmony.
Arirang News
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