Buddha Purnima 2022– Buddhist Festival, Date, Tradition and Symbol
Purnima – Buddha Purnima is the Buddhist calendar’s holiest day. It is the most important Buddhist celebration; Vesak falls on the first full moon of the fourth lunar month in the Chinese calendar. The Gregorian calendar’s date changes from year to year, but it is usually in May. Buddhists have been commemorating Buddhist festivals for millennia, but the decision to commemorate this day formally was made only in 1950 during the World Fellowship of Buddhists’ first conference in Sri Lanka. Buddha Purnima 2022 Date is 16 May, 2022.
Lord Buddha Purnima‘s History
The birth of Prince Siddharta Gautama, a Nepali prince (approximately 563-483 B.C.) who eventually became known as the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, is honored on Buddha Purnima (also known as Buddha Jayanti). Purnima means “full moon” in Sanskrit, which explains why it is celebrated on a full moon day, while Jayanti means “birthday.” When Siddartha reached enlightenment, he was given the name Buddha, which is given to individuals who achieve ‘bodhi,’ or wisdom. The Hindu/Buddhist lunar calendar month of ‘Vaisakhi’ is customarily celebrated.
Buddha’s followers, on the other hand, never formally celebrated his birthday, but they did hold celebrations in his honor for many decades. The formal observation of Buddha Purnima was in twentieth century. Buddha Purnima date was only officiated as a Vesak festival in May 1950, at the first assembly of the World Fellowship of Buddhists in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Because Buddha attained nirvana on a full moon day, it was decided that the day of the full moon in May would be auspicious.
Popularity
Buddhism’s popularity grew as a result of its teachings of nonviolence, respect for life, and a more equitable approach to women’s roles, all of which were in accord with both tradition and modern conceptions of development. As a result, many countries around the world, particularly in Asia, began to become mostly Buddhist. As each culture adopted and integrated the core precepts, Buddhism split into sub-sects. Buddhism is now followed in many forms across the world, and it is particularly inclusive because it does not worship any gods (as other religions do). Buddhism’s philosophical bent has made it popular among a wide range of people.
Tradition on Buddha Purnima (बुद्ध पौर्णिमा)
On Vesak, many Buddhists gather at temples to hear monks give discourses and read old poetry. Buddhist devotees may spend the entire day in one or several temples. A miniature statue of Buddha as a newborn can be found in several temples. The surrounding of statue is by flowers and set in a water container. Visitors to the shrine shower water on the statue. This represents a clean and fresh start.
During Vesak, many Buddhists give extra attention to Buddha’s teachings. On and around Vesak, they may wear white robes and consume exclusively vegetarian food. Many individuals also donate money, food, or items to charities that aid the poor, the aged, and the sick. Caged animals- purchased and released to demonstrate Buddha’s teachings of compassion for all living things.
Observances
1. 2022 | Mon | 16 May | Buddha Pornima |
2. 2023 | Fri | 5 May | Baudh Pornima |
3. 2024 | Thu | 23 May | Buddha Poornima |
4. 2025 | Mon | 12 May |
Symbols
During Vesak, the dharmachakra, or dharma wheel, is a common emblem. It is an eight-spoke wooden wheel. The wheel represents Buddha’s teachings on the way to enlightenment. The eight spokes represent Buddhism’s noble eightfold path.
Background of Gautam Buddha
Gautama Buddha was a spiritual teacher in India. Many experts disagree about when he lived. Between the sixth and fourth centuries BCE, Buddha is supposed to have been born. Scholars are divided on when Buddha died, with some believing it happened around 480 BCE and others believing it happened up to a century later.
During and during his lifetime, Buddha was a powerful spiritual teacher. Many Buddhists as the Supreme Buddha revere him. For centuries, Buddhist festivals have been held. The World Fellowship of Buddhists’ first summit established the decision to commemorate Vesak as the Buddha’s birthday. This conference took place in May 1950 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The date was chosen to coincide with the Full Moon in May. When there are two full moons in May, different Buddhist communities may celebrate Vesak on different dates.
Buddha Quotes
- “Those who cling to perceptions and views wander the world offending people.”
- “Drop by drop is the water pot filled. Likewise, the wise man, gathering it little by little, fills himself with good.”
- “I will not look at another’s bowl intent on finding fault: a training to be observed.”
- “Let none find fault with others; let none see the omissions and commissions of others. But let one see one’s own acts, done and undone.”
- “Should a person do good, let him do it again and again. Let him find pleasure therein, for blissful is the accumulation of good.”
- “Should you find a wise critic to point out your faults, follow him as you would a guide to hidden treasure.”
- “In whom there is no sympathy for living beings: know him as an outcast.”
- “Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world. By non-hatred alone is hatred appeased. This is an eternal law.”
- “Should a seeker not find a companion who is better or equal, let them resolutely pursue a solitary course.”
Read- बुद्ध पूर्णिमा इन हिंदी
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