On 24th July 2021, India, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), commemorated Asadha Poornima Dhamma Chakra Day. Both Buddhists and Hindus also perceive this day as Guru Poornima, a day to pay homage to their spiritual gurus.
Guru Purnima: Significance in Hindu and Buddhist Cultures
In accordance with the Hindu calendar, Guru Purnima typically occurs on a full-moon day within the Hindu month of Ashadh. The day is dedicated to Maharshi Veda Vyasa, a revered sage, believed to have edited the Vedas and created the 18 Puranas, Mahabharata, and Srimad Bhagavatam.
For Buddhists, this festival commemorates the first sermon of Lord Buddha, believed to have been delivered at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, on this very day. It also marks the beginning of the monsoon season.
Key Points about Asadha Poornima Dhamma Chakra Day
Asadha Poornima Dhamma Chakra Day celebrates Buddha’s first ever sermon, delivered to his first five ascetic disciples. This was his debut discourse after achieving enlightenment. The day signifies the foundation of the Sangha, established on a full-moon day of the month of Asadha, as per the Indian Sun calendar, at the Deer Park, currently known as Sarnath, near Varanasi, India.
Buddhist Teachings: Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path
The first sermon of Buddha, also known as Dhamma Chakka or Dharma chakra, includes the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. These teachings emphasize that suffering is a fundamental part of life, it has a cause, it can be extinguished, and the way to achieve this is by following the Eightfold Path.
The Role of Gautam Buddha
Considered the eighth of Lord Vishnu’s ten incarnations, Gautam Buddha, born as Siddhartha Gautama around 563 BCE, achieved enlightenment under a pipal tree in Bodhgaya, Bihar. Buddha delivered his first sermon in the village of Sarnath, near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. He passed away at the age of 80 in 483 BCE at Kushinagara, Uttar Pradesh, an event known as Mahaparinibban or Mahaparinirvana.
Buddhism’s Impact on Indian Culture
Buddhism’s most significant contribution to Indian culture is the concept of ahimsa or non-violence. This principle later became one of the cherished values of our country. The stupas at Sanchi, Bharhut, and Gaya stand as testaments to Buddhism’s architectural contributions. Buddhism’s influence extended to education through residential universities like Taxila, Nalanda, and Vikramasila.
Buddhism’s Relevance Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic
Buddha’s principles resonate in today’s world as we grapple with the Covid-19 pandemic. His teachings promote unity among countries, fortifying the human spirit in these challenging times. Following his path of service to humanity, nations across the world are banding together to aid each other amidst the pandemic.
UNESCO’s Heritage Sites Related to Buddhism
Several UNESCO Heritage Sites in India are linked to Buddhism, including the Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar, Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, MP, Maha Bodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya, Bihar, and the Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
