The year 2020 marked the celebration of Buddha Purnima on May 7th, an event that carries significant historical and cultural connotations in the realm of Buddhism. This article delves into the details of this day, the life of Gautam Buddha – the founder of Buddhism – and his philosophies that have shaped this religion over centuries.
The Significance of Buddha Purnima
Buddha Purnima is a significant day for followers of Buddhism as it commemorates the birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha. The day corresponds with the full moon (Poornima) of the Hindu month Vaishakha, which usually falls in April or May.
Gautam Buddha: The Early Life
Born Siddhartha Gautama in approximately 563 BCE, Buddha belonged to a royal family located in Lumbini, near the Indo-Nepal border. His family was part of the Sakya clan, ruling from Kapilvastu, Lumbini. However, despite his royal upbringing, Gautama’s life took a drastically different path at the age of 29.
From Luxury to Asceticism
In pursuit of truth and a deeper understanding of life, Gautama renounced his regal life when he was 29. He rejected his life of riches in favour of asceticism, a lifestyle defined by extreme self-discipline and withdrawal from worldly pleasures.
The Path to Enlightenment
Gautam’s spiritual journey led him to meditate consecutively for 49 days, eventually reaching a state of enlightenment, known as Bodhi. He achieved this spiritual milestone under a pipal tree, in a place known today as Bodhgaya, Bihar.
First Sermon and the Turning of the Wheel of Law
Post-enlightenment, Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon in the village of Sarnath, located near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. This significant event marked the ‘Dharma Chakra Pravartana’, or the turning of the wheel of law, symbolising the blossoming of Buddhism as a religion.
The End of Gautam Buddha’s Earthly Journey
Gautam Buddha passed away at the age of 80 in 483 BCE, in Kushinagara, Uttar Pradesh. This event, known as Mahaparinibban or Mahaparinirvana, marked the end of his earthly existence.
Belief in Reincarnation
Notably, followers of Hinduism believe Gautam Buddha to be the eighth among the ten reincarnations, or ‘Dashavatar’, of Lord Vishnu. This belief, while not universally acknowledged across all Buddhist sects, signifies the interwoven cultural and religious narratives of Buddhism and Hinduism.
This concise exploration of Buddha Purnima and Gautam Buddha offers an insight into the profound influence of Buddhism and its founder on scores of followers across continents and millennia.
[Source credit: PIB]
