The teachings of Buddha show, in the same way, happiness never decreases by being shared.
For that reason, the lighting of candles is significant in the celebration of Vesak - a celebration of the birth and passing of the Enlightened One, Buddha.
And despite a complete fire ban in the Dunedin Town Hall, it did not stop about 350 people attending the Oceania Observance of the United Nations Day of Vesak 2011 continuing the tradition yesterday.
Instead, they lit electric candles which gave an enlightening atmosphere to an otherwise gloomy winter day.
Dunedin event spokesman Art Kojarunchitt said the day was about celebrating the teachings of Buddha - compassion, wisdom, love, kindness and peace - which are practised and celebrated by millions of people worldwide each year.
"Today is about people coming together and being thankful for the teachings he has given us."
The occasion was marked with singing, dancing and several stage performances about peace and the story of enlightenment.
Winners of the Peace in New Zealand essay competition were also announced during Vesak.
They were. - Secondary school category: Abigail Hart (Gisborne Girls' High School) 1; Padama Mullin (Logan Park High School) 2; Joel Walsham (Avondale College) 3.
Tertiary category: Tony Fiddis (Victoria University) 1; Siobhan Downes (University of Otago) 2; Timothy Stapels (University of Otago) 3.
