Vesak Day 2024: Why Is Buddha Purnima Celebrated On Vaishakha Purnima?

Buddha Purnima 2024: Buddha Purnima holds significant importance among Hindus, celebrated to commemorate the 2586th birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, also known as Mahatma Buddha. It is also referred to as Buddha Jayanti. Devotees of Gautam Buddha observe this day with immense enthusiasm and zeal worldwide. Buddha Purnima falls on the full moon day in the month of Vaishakh.

Numerous South East Asian countries, including Thailand, Tibet, China, Korea, Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia, Cambodia, and Indonesia, alongside India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet, celebrate this day with joy and happiness. Buddha Purnima is also known as Vesak, Buddha Jayanti, and Vaisakhi Purnima.

Buddha's birthday is primarily observed in the Vaisakha month of the Buddhist and Hindu calendars, as well as the Vikram Samvat calendar. The date is determined by the lunisolar calendars of Asia, falling on the full moon day of the Buddhist calendar month of Vaisakha in the historical regions of Buddha's life, namely modern-day India and Nepal. While the date varies each year according to the Western Gregorian calendar, it typically occurs in April or May. This year, the 2586th birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha falls on May 23, 2024.

Buddha Purnima 2024

Why Is Buddha Purnima Celebrated?

Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti, marks the birth, enlightenment, and death (or parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. It holds significant importance for Buddhists worldwide, serving as a day for reflection, meditation, and acts of kindness. The day celebrates Buddha's life and teachings, focusing on principles like compassion, non-violence, and mindfulness. Followers participate in rituals such as visiting temples, offering prayers, and practicing generosity. Buddha Purnima reminds people of the timeless wisdom and enlightenment Buddha shared, encouraging them to seek inner peace and spiritual awakening.

Buddha Purnima 2024: Date And Time

• Buddha Purnima 2024 Date: May 23, 2024
• Buddha Purnima 2024 Day: Thursday
• Purnima Tithi Begins: 18:47 on May 22, 2024
• Purnima Tithi Ends: 19:22 on May 23, 2024

What is the story of Vesak?

Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. The story of Vesak revolves around the life and teachings of Lord Buddha.

Dos and Don'ts to Follow on Buddha Purnima 2024

Here are some dos and don'ts to follow on Buddha Purnima:

Do:

• Practice mindfulness and meditation: Devote time to calming your mind and reflecting on the Buddha's teachings. Meditation can help cultivate inner peace and wisdom.
• Perform acts of kindness and compassion: Buddha's teachings emphasize compassion. Volunteer, donate to charity, or simply help someone in need.
• Visit a Buddhist temple or stupa: If possible, participate in prayers and rituals at a Buddhist temple. This can deepen your practice and connect you with the Buddhist community.
• Wear white clothes: White symbolizes purity and peace, which are core Buddhist principles.
• Eat vegetarian food: Many Buddhists abstain from meat on this day. Opt for a simple and pure (sattvic) diet.

Don't:

• Engage in negativity: Avoid anger, resentment, or negative thoughts. Strive for a peaceful and mindful state.
• Consume alcohol or intoxicants: Maintain a clear and focused mind by avoiding these substances.
• Overindulge in materialism: Buddha encouraged a simple life. Focus on spiritual growth rather than material possessions.
• Gossip or engage in idle chatter: Refrain from negativity and focus on meaningful conversations.
• Harm living beings: Buddha strongly advocated for non-violence. Avoid any actions that could cause harm.

Buddha Purnima: Story

Lord Buddha, originally born as Prince Siddhartha, lived a life surrounded by luxury and material pleasures. His father, Suddhodana, was the head of the Shakya clan, and his mother, Maya, was a Koliyan princess. However, Siddhartha encountered an old man, a sick man, and a corpse, prompting him to seek answers to the causes of suffering. At the age of 29, he left his home in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. After years of investigation and deep meditation, he attained enlightenment at the age of 35 and became Mahatma Buddha. He preached spiritual teachings to guide people towards a meaningful life.

Buddha Purnima: Significance

Buddha Purnima holds significant religious importance among Buddhism followers. Lord Buddha is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. On this day, followers celebrate by reciting Buddha's teachings and spreading his wisdom to others. According to Buddhist texts, Gautam Buddha was born in 563 BCE in Lumbini, Nepal, and passed away at the age of 80 in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh in 483 BCE. However, the exact dates of his birth and death remain unknown.

This day is also known as Vesak and Buddha Jayanti. It marks the occasion when Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, taught the Dharma at Sarnath, and passed away in Khushinagar. These locations are significant pilgrimage sites for Buddhists, with Bodh Gaya being the most important. Many people visit Bodh Gaya to offer prayers.

Buddha Purnima: Celebration

On Buddha Purnima, people offer prayers to Mahatma Buddha and seek knowledge and wisdom by reciting his teachings. Many visit temples, engage in charitable acts, and donate to the needy. Some observe fasting and read holy scriptures as a means of spiritual practice.

Buddha Purnima: Teachings

Buddha's teachings emphasize non-violence, generosity, self-reflection, and compassion. Some of his teachings include:

• Hatred is never appeased by hatred; only non-hatred can dispel hatred.
• Goodness accumulates like drops filling a water pot.
• Focus on self-improvement rather than criticizing others.
• Overcome anger, badness, meanness, and dishonesty with their positive counterparts.
• True nobility lies in not harming living beings.

Mantra

Om Mani Padme Hum

Buddha Purnima 2024 FAQs

When is Buddha Purnima 2024?

Buddha Purnima falls on Thursday, May 23rd, 2024.

What is the significance of Buddha Purnima?

Buddha Purnima celebrates the birth ofSiddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. In some traditions, it also commemorates his enlightenment and passing into Nirvana.

What are some ways to observe Buddha Purnima?

• Practice meditation and mindfulness.
• Do acts of kindness and compassion.
• Visit a Buddhist temple or stupa.
• Wear white clothing.
• Eat vegetarian food.

Is Buddha Purnima a public holiday?

Yes, Buddha Purnima is a public holiday in many countries with significant Buddhist populations, including India. This means banks, government offices, and some shops may be closed.

What is another name for Buddha Purnima?

Buddha Purnima is also known as Vesak, Buddha Jayanti, and Vaisakhi Purnima.

What are some things to avoid on Buddha Purnima?

• Engaging in anger, negativity, or violence.
• Consuming alcohol or intoxicants.
• Overindulging in materialism.
• Gossiping or idle chatter.
• Harming any living beings.

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