The Prime Minister recently made an appearance at the “Virtual Vesak Global Celebrations” on Buddha Purnima. The gathering, put together by the Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), saw significant attendance from global leaders of the Buddhist Sanghas.
Buddha Purnima and its Significance
Buddha Purnima is held in honour of Gautam Buddha, Buddhism’s founder. This celebration, alternatively known as Vesak, received United Nations recognition in 1999, rooting from the significant societal contributions of Buddhism. This ‘triple-blessed day’ commemorates three pivotal moments in Buddha’s life: his birth, enlightenment, and Maha Parnirvana. Falling on a full moon night between April and May, it is recognised as a gazetted holiday in India. Each year, many followers pay visits to the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Lord Buddha supposedly reached enlightenment.
The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC)
The IBC represents the globe’s largest religious Buddhist Confederation. The body actively works towards establishing a strong global presence for Buddhism, preserving heritage, sharing knowledge, promoting values, and representing a united Buddhist front. The IBC was formed following a unanimous resolution at the Global Buddhist Congregation (GBC) hosted in New Delhi in November 2011.
Gautam Buddha: The Initiation of Buddhism
Born as Siddhartha Gautama around 563 BCE in Lumbini, belonging to the Sakya clan, Gautam Buddha signifies the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu (Dashavatar). His enlightening journey began under a pipal tree in Bodhgaya, Bihar, and he delivered his first sermon in Sarnath village near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, a remarkable event known as Dharma Chakra Pravartana. His life ended at the age of 80 in 483 BCE at Kushinagara, Uttar Pradesh, in an event fondly remembered as Mahaparinibban or Mahaparinirvana.
Understanding Buddhism: Teachings and Contributions
Buddhism, originating over 2,600 years ago in India, manifests through the four noble truths, or ariya-sachchani, and the eight-fold path, or ashtangika marg. The doctrine centralizes around the concept of Dukkha or sufferings and their subsequent eradication. The Buddhist teachings emphasize the attainment of enlightenment, or nirvana, obtainable within one’s lifetime and not linked to any supreme god or deity.
Buddhist Councils and Schools of Buddhism
Buddhism is categorized into various schools – Mahayana (Idol Worship), Hinayana, Theravada, Vajrayana (Tantric Buddhism), and Zen. Its texts, collectively referred to as the Tipitaka, encompass Vinaya Pitaka (rules for monastic life), Sutta Pitaka (Buddha’s primary teachings), and Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophical analysis and systematization of teachings).
Contribution of Buddhism to Indian Culture
Buddhism significantly influenced Indian culture. Its principles of ahimsa were adopted into the national ethos. Further contributions include remarkable architectural accomplishments visible in the stupas at Sanchi, Bharhut, and Gaya, promoting education via residential universities in Taxila, Nalanda, and Vikramasila, and facilitating the development of Pali and other local languages. Buddhism also catalysed the spread of Indian culture throughout Asia.
UNESCO’s Heritage Sites Linked to Buddhism
Several UNESCO heritage sites trace their origins to Buddhism, including the Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar; the Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, MP; the Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya, Bihar; and the Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
