Buddha Jayanti, sometimes called Buddha Purnima, is a big holiday that millions of Buddhists and spiritual seekers worldwide celebrate. It will be on Saturday, October 12, 2024. The Buddha was born on this day, became enlightened, and died on this day. He was later called the Buddha. People celebrate Buddha Jayanti with devotion and respect. It allows people to think about the Buddha’s lessons and how they apply to our lives today.
Time, Muhurat, and Date for Buddha Jayanti
According to the Buddhist lunar calendar, Buddha Jayanti is celebrated on the day of the full moon in the month of Vaishakha. However, different places may have different traditions and celebrations. For 2024, the following times are crucial for followers:
Buddha Jayanti Muhurat Starts –Â
Buddha Jayanti Muhurat Ends –Â
Duration: 2 Hours and 19 Mins
Dashami Tithi Begins –Â
Dashami Tithi Ends –Â
Performing practices and praying to honour the Buddha at these lucky times is very important.
The Life of Siddhartha Gautam
In the 5th century BCE, Siddhartha Gautama, who would later be known as the Buddha, was born in Lumbini, which is now Nepal. He was the son of King Suddhodana and Queen Maya. During his childhood, Siddhartha lived a lavish and privileged life in his father’s house. However, during his trips outside the palace, Siddhartha was greatly moved when he saw the truth about pain, old age, and death.
At age 29, he gave up his royal life and went on a spiritual quest because he was determined to find a way to end human pain. Siddhartha learnt from many masters and lived a very simple life. Eventually, he realised that moderation was the key to enlightenment, which led him to the Middle Way.
At age 35, he sat for 49 days under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya and became enlightened. He was called the Buddha, which means “the Awakened One.” The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path were essential to his teachings because they showed people how to end pain and find spiritual freedom.
The Core Teachings of Buddhism
Buddha Jayanti is both a celebration of the Buddha’s birth and a time to think about how his profound lessons have changed the lives of millions of people. These are some of the most essential Buddhist ideas:
The Four Noble Truths
The lessons of Buddha are based on the Four Noble Truths. These are them:
The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha): Seeing that pain is a normal part of life is what the Truth of pain (Dukkha) means.
The Truth of the Cause of Suffering (Samudaya): When you know that attachment, desire, and misunderstanding cause suffering, you have reached the truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya).
The Truth of the End of Suffering (Nirodha): Realising that getting rid of sorrow and becoming enlightened is possible.
The Truth of the Path to the End of Suffering (Magga): This is the Truth of the Path to the End of Suffering (Magga).
The Eightfold Path
In The Eightfold Path, the steps to end pain and become enlightened are laid out:
Right Understanding: Grasping what truth is and how to change it.
Right Intent: With the right intention, you can think of ideas of love, compassion, and not being attached.
Right Speech: Being honest and getting along with others.
Right Action: Doing the right thing means not hurting other people.
Right Livelihood: It means making a living without hurting other people.
Right Effort: Choosing to stay in good mental states and leaving bad ones behind.
Right Mindfulness: It means becoming more aware of the present moment.
Right Concentration: Getting into deep meditation states.
These lessons stress the importance of living a balanced life by being moral, mentally disciplined, and wise.
Observances and Rituals of Buddha Jayanti
Everywhere in the world, people celebrate Buddha Jayanti in different ways. These can be very different based on the culture, but they usually include:
Meditation and Reflection
Many Buddhists meditate and think about what the Buddha taught all day. This practice, which can be done in temples or at home, can help people connect deeply with their faith.
Offerings and Prayers
People who follow Buddhism often go to temples to leave flowers, fruits, and incense at the feet of Buddha images. Along with these acts of devotion, people ask for peace, wisdom, and kindness.
Chanting and Sermons
Monks and Buddhist practitioners gather in temples to chant Buddhist texts, say prayers, and hear talks about the Buddha’s life and teachings. These events help people feel part of a group and reinforce Buddhist teachings.
Acts of Kindness
To show kindness to Buddha Jayanti, many people feed the hungry, help those in need, or volunteer in their neighbourhoods. This practice fits with the Buddhist idea of kindness and shows how important it is to help others.
The Global Celebration of Buddha Jayanti
Everywhere in the world, people celebrate Buddha Jayanti in their unique ways. In places like India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Tibet, the day is celebrated in many ways:
In India: Buddhists often go to Sarnath and Bodh Gaya in India to perform practices and meditate. These are essential pilgrimage sites connected to the life of the Buddha.
In Nepal: In Nepal, where the Buddha was born, Lumbini becomes the centre of events, with thousands of people coming to honour the Buddha.
In Sri Lanka: In Sri Lanka, the day is marked by chanting, colourful processions, and gifts given to churches.
In Thailand: In Thailand, water is poured over Buddha statues as part of the event to represent cleanliness and good luck.
All over the world, people respect and honour the Buddha and his teachings, and these different practices show that.
Conclusion
Buddha Jayanti is a powerful reminder of Siddhartha Gautama’s life and teachings. Siddhartha Gautama spent his whole life trying to understand and end human misery. As we celebrate this important day on Saturday, October 12, 2024, let us consider the Buddha’s teachings on kindness, mindfulness, and knowledge.
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