Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti, is one of the most sacred festivals celebrated by Buddhists worldwide and is celebrated on 12th May every year. It marks the birth, enlightenment and passing (Mahaparinirvana) of Lord Gautama Buddha. This auspicious day falls on the full moon of the Hindu month of Vaishakha (April–May), making it an occasion of immense spiritual significance.

Buddha Purnima is observed with great reverence in countries such as India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and several other countries. Devotees engage in prayers, meditation and acts of charity, following the teachings of Lord Buddha to lead a life of wisdom, morality and compassion.

Siddhartha Gautama, later known as Gautama Buddha, was born around 563 BCE in Lumbini, Nepal, to King Śuddhodana and Queen Māyādevī. He belonged to the royal family of the Shakya clan but renounced worldly pleasures at the age of 29 in search of ultimate truth and enlightenment.

After years of intense meditation and self-discipline, Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, at the age of 35. From that moment, he became the Buddha, meaning “The Enlightened One,” and began preaching the path of Dharma (righteousness), advocating for a life based on the principles of non-violence, wisdom and inner peace.

At the age of 80, Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana in Kushinagar, India, signifying his liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara). This event is also commemorated on Buddha Purnima, making it a day of reflection on his teachings and legacy.

Significance of Buddha Purnima

1. Spiritual Enlightenment
   Buddha Purnima is an occasion to reflect on Buddha’s teachings, emphasizing mindfulness, meditation and the path to liberation from suffering. It encourages people to seek enlightenment by following the Middle Path, avoiding both extreme indulgence and self-denial.
2. Promotion of Non-Violence and Compassion
   The festival highlights Buddha’s emphasis on Ahimsa (non-violence) and Karuna (compassion). Devotees engage in acts of kindness, donate to the needy and refrain from harming any living beings.
3. Symbolism of the Full Moon
   The full moon on Buddha Purnima symbolizes purity, enlightenment and a new beginning. It represents the cycle of birth, enlightenment and death, which are all integral aspects of Buddha’s journey.
4. Religious and Cultural Importance
   Apart from being a religious event, Buddha Purnima fosters harmony and unity among followers of Buddhism and other faiths. It serves as a reminder of universal peace and wisdom.

Buddha Purnima is celebrated with various rituals and customs across different regions. Some common observances include:

1. Visiting Temples and Monasteries
   Devotees visit Buddhist temples, offer prayers and seek blessings. The Bodh Gaya Mahabodhi Temple, Sarnath and Kushinagar are some of the key pilgrimage sites.
2. Reading and Reciting Buddhist Scriptures
   The holy scriptures, including the Tripitaka (three baskets of wisdom), Dhammapada and Jataka tales, are read and discussed to understand Buddha’s teachings.
3. Offering Prayers and Meditation
   People engage in deep meditation and chanting of Buddhist mantras such as “Om Mani Padme Hum” to attain inner peace and wisdom.
4. Acts of Charity and Kindness
   Followers of Buddhism believe in practicing generosity (Dana). They distribute food, clothing and essentials to the poor, release caged birds as a symbol of freedom and avoid meat consumption as a mark of non-violence.
5. Bathing the Buddha Statue
   A sacred ritual involves bathing the Buddha’s idol with scented water and milk, symbolizing purification and the washing away of sins.
6. Lighting Lamps and Candles
   Lighting butter lamps and candles is a common practice to signify the removal of ignorance and the arrival of enlightenment.
7. Fasting and Vegetarian Meals
   Many devotees observe fasts or eat simple vegetarian meals to practice self-discipline and compassion towards animals.

The teachings of Buddha, known as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, continue to guide millions of people toward a peaceful and meaningful life.

Four Noble Truths:

1. Dukkha (Suffering Exists) – Life is filled with suffering, pain and dissatisfaction.
2. Samudaya (Cause of Suffering) – Desire and attachment are the root causes of suffering.
3. Nirodha (End of Suffering) – Liberation from suffering is possible.
4. Magga (Path to Liberation) – The Eightfold Path leads to the cessation of suffering.

The Eightfold Path:

1. Right View
2. Right Intention
3. Right Speech
4. Right Action
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right Concentration

Even in today’s world, Buddha’s teachings are relevant in addressing stress, anxiety and conflicts. His philosophy promotes a way of life based on wisdom, ethical conduct and mental discipline.

Buddha Purnima is not just a religious event but also a universal message of peace, harmony and enlightenment. It reminds us of the importance of self-realization, compassion and non-violence. As we celebrate this auspicious day, let us strive to incorporate Buddha’s teachings into our daily lives and work toward a world free of suffering and filled with kindness.

May the light of Buddha’s wisdom guide us all!

By: Ms. Gunjan Oli (Executive – ATF & Insurance)

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