Buddha Purnima is an important Buddhist festival celebrated annually to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Lord Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama. The festival is observed on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Vaishakha, which typically falls in April or May in the Gregorian calendar.
The life of Lord Buddha is shrouded in myth and legend, but according to Buddhist tradition, he was born as the son of a king in the Shakya clan, in present-day Nepal, in the 6th century BCE. At the age of 29, he renounced his royal life and set out on a quest for enlightenment, seeking to understand the nature of suffering and the path to liberation. After six years of intense meditation and self-discipline, he achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India.
Following his enlightenment, Lord Buddha traveled throughout India, teaching the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to liberation. His teachings emphasized the importance of mindfulness, compassion, and non-attachment, and his philosophy became the foundation of Buddhism, one of the world’s major religions.
The teachings of Lord Buddha continue to hold great relevance in today’s world. His emphasis on mindfulness and living in the present moment has become increasingly important in our fast-paced and stressful lives. His teachings on compassion and non-violence have inspired countless individuals and social movements, including the civil rights movement led by Mahatma Gandhi and the Dalai Lama’s advocacy for Tibetan autonomy.
Lord Buddha’s teachings also offer insights into the nature of suffering and the path to liberation. In today’s world, where mental health issues such as anxiety and depression are on the rise, his teachings on cultivating inner peace and happiness have become increasingly relevant.
As we celebrate Buddha Purnima, let us take inspiration from Lord Buddha’s life and teachings, and strive to live a more mindful, compassionate, and peaceful life.
-SamarthGuru