India is home to many religions followed throughout the world and one of them is Buddhism. Buddhism is one of the world’s largest religions and originated 2500 years ago in India. In the 5th century, Buddhism was founded by one of the greatest spiritual leaders Gautama Buddha. He is known as the founder of Buddhism. To mark his birth anniversary Buddha Purnima is celebrated. This year 5th May will be celebrated as Buddha Purnima. Every year Buddha Purnima is marked as the birth of Gautama Buddha. Many countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and numerous other South East Asian countries including Thailand, Tibet, China, Korea, Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia, Cambodia, and Indonesia also celebrate the day with great fervor and enthusiasm.
To know more about the day read the article below!
History About Buddha Purnima
Even though the exact date and time of Lord Buddha’s birth and death are unknown, it is assumed that he lived between the 6th and 4 centuries BC. In Lumbini, Nepal, he was born as Prince Siddhartha. Legend has it that he was destined to become a great king or sage long before his birth. Siddhartha was raised in princely splendor and was thus sheltered from the hardships of human life until he was in his late twenties. After experiencing disease, old age, and death, the 29-year-old prince decided to leave his royal palace and embark on a mission to discover the source of all sorrow. Over the next few years, he explored many different teachings but was unable to find liberation until one night when he went into deep meditation and awoke with all the answers he had been seeking. At the age of 35, Siddhartha Gautama received the title of Buddha or the Awakened One. He spent the rest of his life preaching the Dharma and guiding others to Enlightenment. Gautama Buddha died in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, at the age of 80.
Significance of Buddha Purnima
Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak or Vaisakhi Buddha Purnima, is an auspicious day that commemorates three key events in Gautam Buddha’s life: his birth anniversary, enlightenment, and death. Buddha Purnima is observed on the Purnima full moon day in the month of Vaisakh, according to the traditional Hindu calendar. However, according to the Buddhist calendar, there are two full moon days in May. This year, the day falls on May 5, 2023, according to the Gregorian calendar. It is stated that Prince Siddhartha Gautama was born in Lumbini Grove on the Purnima Tithi in 563 BC. After giving up his status as a Prince and enduring suffering for six years, he obtained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya to become Gautama Buddha on the full moon day of May. After 45 years of teaching his Truth, the seeker died at the age of eighty in Kusinara on the full moon day of May.
Celebrations
On Buddha Purnima, Buddhists and followers of Buddhism all over the world devote themselves to praying, fasting, meditating, and remembering Lord Buddha’s teachings. Following Buddha Purnima, all Buddhist monasteries, houses, and temples are lavishly decorated with garlands and colorful flags. As a new beginning, the popular ceremony includes adoring the statue of Baby Buddha. People in India traditionally bathe in the sacred river Ganga to wash away their sins. They also pray at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya. People in China observe the holiday by visiting pagodas and lighting incense, candles, and lanterns, whilst the Japanese spend the day with flowers and organize the ‘Hanamatsuri’ (Flower holiday), in which Buddha statues are decked with flowers and bathed in a special flower juice. To honor the day, Buddhists in South Korea distribute free food and light lotus lanterns.
Famous Quotes on Buddha Purnima
- Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.
- We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leave.
- Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.
- Every morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.
- Train your mind to see something good in everything.
Conclusion
To Summarize, Buddha Purnima is an important festival that celebrates the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha and serves as a reminder to follow his teachings of kindness, compassion, and non-violence in our daily lives.
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