hello my friends,This may sound a silly question but the answer will be very crucial since many people celebrate birthday parties, cut cakes and enjoy without really able to answer for what purpose are they doing this.As we know that according to the gita we are the self (soul), that is unborn eternal, that which does not come into existence at any point in time. If this is the case then why do we see so many people celebrating their birthday, going for parties etc.Since from the past few years i have stopped wishing people happy birthdays, they tend to think that i am very arrogant by not doing so, Although i just dont feel very comfortable in telling happy birthday as it is contrary to what is there in the gita. And also there is no point in explaining every bithday boy this philosophy since they won't understand this easily.I just want to know should we wish someone happy birthday or not ?And if yes how is it justified?Are the people who do this considered less intelligent by the extremely wise among men?Are there any instances in the scriptures where this topic has been elaborated?Any help would be really appreciated.thanks.
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All glories to Srila Prabhupada! Thank You for Your nice and relevant question!
Birthday is celebrated even in Vedic times. For example, we find in Srimad Bhagawatam of how Lord Balaram was kept back at home for Abhishek on the day of His appearance. His Mothers wanted to bath Him and then decorate His body nicely then distribute charities to Brahmanas, Vaishnavas and others and get their blessings.
But our days we do it oppositely. We do not give charity but take (gifts...). But the main thing should be to receive the blessings of great souls and become free from materialistic life, for not taking birth again this in material world.
And in Devotees case, they congratulate each other with taking human birth and remind each other that one more year has ended and our duty should be to remember Krishna. Because every moment is taking away our life. And also they wish to each other not to take birth again in this material world.
Replies
to add.
We should always wish others happy birthday and happily accept if no one tells us the same.
Hare Krishna Damodar Prabhuji,
Please accept my humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Thank You for Your nice and relevant question!
Birthday is celebrated even in Vedic times. For example, we find in Srimad Bhagawatam of how Lord Balaram was kept back at home for Abhishek on the day of His appearance. His Mothers wanted to bath Him and then decorate His body nicely then distribute charities to Brahmanas, Vaishnavas and others and get their blessings.
But our days we do it oppositely. We do not give charity but take (gifts...). But the main thing should be to receive the blessings of great souls and become free from materialistic life, for not taking birth again this in material world.
And in Devotees case, they congratulate each other with taking human birth and remind each other that one more year has ended and our duty should be to remember Krishna. Because every moment is taking away our life. And also they wish to each other not to take birth again in this material world.
SO it is celebrated.
Your servant,