Why is Buddha Purnima Celebrated
Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti, is a significant festival celebrated by Buddhists worldwide. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. The celebration of Buddha Purnima is deeply rooted in the life and teachings of the Buddha. Let’s explore why is buddha purnima celebrated the reasons behind the celebration of this auspicious day.
Also Read: Buddha Purnima 2024: Date, Timings, Meaning
1. Commemoration of Gautama Buddha’s Birth:
- Siddhartha Gautama was born as a prince in Lumbini, Nepal, around 563 BCE.
- His birth was prophesied to be that of a great spiritual leader who would either become a universal monarch or a Buddha, an enlightened being.
2. Commemoration of Gautama Buddha’s Enlightenment:
- After years of spiritual quest and meditation, Siddhartha attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, India, under the Bodhi tree.
- This event, known as Buddhahood or Nirvana, marked the culmination of his spiritual journey and the understanding of the nature of suffering and its cessation.
3. Commemoration of Gautama Buddha’s Death (Parinirvana):
- Gautama Buddha passed away at the age of 80 in Kushinagar, India, attaining Parinirvana, the final Nirvana.
- His death is considered not as the end but as the complete liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
4. Teaching of the Four Noble Truths:
- Buddha Purnima is a time to reflect on the Four Noble Truths taught by Gautama Buddha:
- The truth of suffering (Dukkha),
- The truth of the cause of suffering (Samudaya),
- The truth of the end of suffering (Nirodha),
- The truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering (Magga).
5. Emphasis on the Eightfold Path:
- The Eightfold Path, also known as the Middle Way, is a central teaching of Buddhism that emphasizes the right way of living and thinking:
- Right understanding,
- Right thought,
- Right speech,
- Right action,
- Right livelihood,
- Right effort,
- Right mindfulness,
- Right concentration.
6. Importance of Compassion and Nonviolence:
- Buddha Purnima highlights the teachings of compassion (Karuna) and nonviolence (Ahimsa) as fundamental principles of Buddhism.
- Buddhists are encouraged to practice loving-kindness towards all beings and to avoid harming others.
7. Symbolism of Bodhi Tree:
- The Bodhi tree, under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment, holds great symbolic significance.
- It represents the place where one can attain spiritual awakening and liberation from suffering.
8. Practices and Observances on Buddha Purnima:
- Buddhists celebrate Buddha Purnima by visiting temples, offering prayers, and engaging in meditation.
- They may also participate in acts of charity and kindness, reflecting the Buddha’s teachings on compassion and generosity.
- Devotees may also light incense, offer flowers, and chant sutras as a mark of respect and devotion.
Buddha Purnima is Celebrated in Which State
Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti, is celebrated in various states and regions where Buddhism is practiced. Some of the states and regions in India where Buddha Purnima is celebrated with great fervor include:
- Bihar: Bodh Gaya in Bihar is the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment, making it a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Buddha Purnima is celebrated here with elaborate ceremonies and rituals.
- Uttar Pradesh: Kushinagar, where Gautama Buddha attained Parinirvana (final Nirvana), is located in Uttar Pradesh. Buddha Purnima is observed here with processions, prayers, and offerings.
- West Bengal: In West Bengal, particularly in Kolkata and the surrounding regions, Buddha Purnima is celebrated with prayer meetings, cultural programs, and processions.
- Sikkim: Sikkim, with its strong Buddhist heritage, celebrates Buddha Purnima with various religious and cultural events.
- Maharashtra: In places like Mumbai and Pune, where there are significant Buddhist communities, Buddha Purnima is celebrated with prayers, meditation sessions, and teachings on the life and teachings of the Buddha.
These are just a few examples, and Buddha Purnima is celebrated in many other states and regions in India and around the world where Buddhism is practiced.
Buddha Purnima is a time of profound significance for Buddhists as it commemorates the life, teachings, and enlightenment of Gautama Buddha. It is a day to reflect on his teachings of compassion, nonviolence, and the path to liberation from suffering. As Buddhists around the world celebrate Buddha Purnima, they honor the timeless wisdom and compassion of the Buddha, seeking to embody his teachings in their own lives.
