Publisher's Synopsis
A Buddha Purnima celebration is held to commemorate Gautama Buddha's birth. Buddha Purnima or Vesak, or Vaisakhi Buddha Purnima, are other names used to describe his birth anniversary. Buddhism honours the Buddha on a full moon day of the month of Vaisakh according to the Hindu calendar. In reality, the dates actually change every year since it uses the Asian lunisolar calendar. Lord Buddha was born in Lumbini (modern day Nepal) on the full moon day of the Purnima Tithi (Purnima month) in 563 BC. Buddha is revered as Lord Vishnu's ninth avatar in Hinduism. All countries celebrate this festival in their own way, but it is a major festival in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Burma, Thailand, Tibet, China, Korea, Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia and Sri Lanka (where it is called Vesak).
It is said that every day of the full moon is auspicious for Buddhists, but the full moon in May is the most important of them all since three major events in the life of the Gotama Buddha occur on that day. First, Prince Siddhartha, the Buddha-to-be, was born under the shade of the Bodhi tree in Lumbini Grove on the full moon day in May. Second, after enduring hardship for six years, he attained enlightenment and became Gotama Buddha at Bodh Gaya, which also occurs on the full moon day in May. He then passed away to nibbana, that is the cessation of all desire, when he was eighty at Kusinara, after teaching for 45 years.
Dharma (duty), nonviolence, harmony, and kindness were among the teachings of Gautama Buddha. After leaving his worldly possessions and the position of prince, he led a penitent life in search of the truth, seeking penance in the hope that he would be freed from suffering (duhkha). Buddhists and Buddhist believers around the world observe this day as a day of meditation, fasting and prayer. It is also very popular to take a dip in the sacred river Ganga, as it is believed that this removes sins. Founded 2,500 years ago in India, Buddhism is one of the world's most influential religions. It is one of the world's most popular religions. In this religion, there is no supreme deity nor a supreme god, but instead enlightenment is the aim. Nirvana is considered to have been achieved once a person has attained this state of internal peace and wisdom.
