Buddha Purnima, or Vesak, is one of the most important days for Buddhists all over the world. Why? Because it is the day when Gautama Buddha was born. Vesak or Buddha Purnima celebrates and marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Buddha Purnima usually falls on the full moon day in the month of Vaisakh (April or May according to the Gregorian calendar), and is a day of spiritual and religious importance. This year, Buddha Purnima or Vesak will be observed and celebrated on May 22, Thursday. History of Buddha Purnima Buddha Purnima has its roots in ancient India, and it is said that Buddhism originated over 2500 years ago. Siddhartha Gautama, a prince who was supposed to be the King overlooking a kingdom decided to renounce everything worldly and later became known as Buddha. He was born in Lumbini in Nepal and was a prince of the Shakya clan. See more: Happy Buddha Purnima 2024: Top 50 Wishes, Messages and Quotes to share with your loved ones It is believed that while as a prince he was very protected and shielded from the sins and suffering that occurred outside, one day, at the age of 29, when he went out of the palace, he for the very first time saw the harsh realities of life. The shielded prince saw the brutal old age, sickness, and death. And it was these sights that troubled Siddhartha deeply. Seeing how inevitable death and suffering are, he renounced his royal luxuries, riches, and life, and headed out in search of truth and the meaning of existence. And then, after years of rigorous ascetic practices and meditation, a protected Prince attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya. And then he became the Buddha, which means The Enlightened One. After he became the Enlightened One, Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching the principles of Dharma, the path to enlightenment, and the Middle Way, which is a balanced approach to life between asceticism and vain living. Importance of Buddha Purnima To both Hindus and Buddhists all around the world, Buddha Purnima is a very important day. Buddha Purnima marks the core events of Buddha's life: his birth, enlightenment, and death or Parinirvana. Birth of Buddha The birth of Buddha is said to be the arrival of a great change in how people saw spirituality and religion, and the arrival of a great spiritual leader whose teachings inspire millions of people even today. The enlightenment Buddha's enlightenment is a symbol of the potential people hold to change their lives for the better. From a prince who had access to all the worldly riches, to a monk who taught the world ethical living and Noble truths, it was Buddhas enlightenment that helped him and others attain wisdom and liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. See more: Happy Buddha Purnima 2024: Best Messages, Quotes, Wishes and Images to share on Buddha Purnima Parinirvana Buddhas death was seen as his means of attaining the final Nirvana or Parinirvana. His passing signified the transient nature of life and the importance of living and working towards enlightenment. The day of Wesak, or Buddha Purnima, is like a reminder for people about Buddhas teachings, his ethics, and the core principles of life that he laid down - compassion, non-violence, and the pursuit of wisdom. How is Buddha Purnima celebrated? The Buddha Purnima celebrations are not limited to a certain part of the globe but are majorly done in Asia. And while there isn't much pomp and show with the celebrations, in recent years people have started taking out enormous chariots with statue of Buddha on them. But, the ancient celebrations include - Prayers and chanting Buddhists and followers come together in temples to offer prayers, chant scriptures, and listen to sermons on Buddha's teachings. The day begins with early morning prayers and also ends with it. Meditations In the temples dedicated to Buddha, meditation sessions are held, which allow people from all religions and walks of life. These meditation sessions allow people to sit, relax, and reflect on their actions and see how well they have adhered to the principles put forward by the Buddha. Rituals followed Buddha Purnima does not include any elaborate or extravagant rituals and they go against the teachings of Buddhism. So, there are some low-key rituals with offerings of flowers, incense, candles, fruits, and the like. Donation and charity Following Buddha's teachings of compassion, many Buddhists also do charitable activities on Buddha Purnima. This includes donating to the needy, organising bhojans (free meals for the poor and needy), and participating in volunteering. Quotes by Buddha A very important part of teachings and wisdom is words. Buddha's words are a part of his teachings and the enlightenment and message he wanted to give to people. Here we mention some of the most powerful and meaningful quotes by Buddha. Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship. Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without. The mind is everything. What you think you become. 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. No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path. Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule. Peace comes from understanding and accepting that which is. However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them? There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills. All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts and made up of our thoughts. If a man speak or act with an evil thought, suffering follows him as the wheel follows the hoof of the beast that draws the wagon.... If a man speak or act with a good thought, happiness follows him like a shadow that never leaves him.

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Buddha Purnima 2024: History, Importance, Celebration, Quotes of Budhha - The Times of India