“The life of Gautama Buddha illustrates the power of service, compassion and most importantly, renunciation” ~ Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Buddha Jayanti, Vaisakhi Buddha Purnima, Vesak or Buddha Purnima, is a festival celebrated to commemorate the birth of Gautama Buddha. An important Buddhist and Hindu festival; Buddha Purnima is celebrated with zest and great fervour in countries including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and various South East Asian countries including Thailand, Tibet, China, Korea, Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia, Cambodia and Indonesia.
A day of prime importance
The Buddha Jayanti or Buddha Purnima falls on a full moon day. It is important to note that the Hindu month of Vaisakh is considered the most auspicious month in the Hindu calendar. Buddha Purnima date is based on Asia’s lunisolar calendar and the day falls on the Hindu month of Vaisakh on the full moon day. This year, the Buddha Purinam is being celebrated on 16th May, Monday. Buddha Purnima will mark the 2566th birth anniversary (source Ministry of Culture) of Gautam Buddha.
British Library Blog suggests that Every full moon day is an auspicious day for the Buddhist community, but the most important of all is the day of the full moon in May. It is because, on this day, three major events in the life of Gautama Buddha took place. First, the Buddha-to-be, Prince Siddhattha was born at Lumbini Grove on the full moon day in May. Secondly, after six years of hardship, he attained enlightenment under the shade of the Bodhi tree and became Gautama Buddha at Bodh Gaya, which also happens to be on the full moon day of May. Thirdly, after 45 years of teaching the Truth, when he was eighty, at Kusinara, he passed away to Nibbana, the cessation of all desire, on the full moon day of May.
Guiding spirit for the entire universe
On the occasion of Buddha Purnima, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled the principles of Lord Buddha. In a tweet, PM said, “The thoughts of Lord Buddha can make our planet more peaceful, harmonious and sustainable.”
A philosopher, spiritual guide, religious leader and guiding spirit, Buddha is touted as the ninth Vishnu avatar (reincarnation), in accordance with the Hindu ideologies. Born around 563 BC in Lumbini (modern-day Nepal), he renounced worldly-materialistic pleasures and went on to embrace the spiritual calling. Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment after 49 days of rigorous and continuous meditation, under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya. The Buddhist religion is based on the beliefs and teachings of Gautam Buddha.
Gautama Buddha preached Dharma, non-violence, harmony and kindness and became the guiding spirit of people around him. His teachings show the world the path of relief from problems of conflicts and hatred.
