Buddha Purnima 2023: The Significance of the Day

What is Buddha Purnima?

Buddha Purnima also known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti is considered to be the most important day for the Buddhists. It is a day that celebrates Gautama Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death.

When is Buddha Purnima?

Budh Purnima falls on the 5th of May this year; it is observed on a full moon day in the month of Vaisakha. Buddhists celebrate Buddha Purnima to remember Buddha’s teachings of compassion, nonviolence, and peace. It is a day to reflect on his life and teachings while also striving for inner peace and harmony.

Who is Gautama Buddha?

Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddartha Gautama, was born to King Suddhodana. Lord Buddha was born in Lumbini, around the 5^th century BCE, which is today part of Nepal. Though born into a rich household, yet the suffering he witnessed in the world severely distressed him. As a result, at the age of 29, he gave up his life, leaving his palace and embarking on a spiritual journey in search of enlightenment and an answer for ending human suffering.

He spent several years meditating in quest of truth before finally attaining enlightenment in Bodh Gaya and delivering his first sermon in Sarnath. He preached the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism and the Eightfold Path as a means of overcoming suffering and achieving enlightenment. Gautam Buddha teachings expanded throughout India and later to other regions of Asia, and Buddhism became one of the world’s major religions.

Buddha is revered in many nations and religions, and his teachings have had a significant impact on the world. In North India, Buddha is regarded as Lord Vishnu’s ninth avatar.

Buddha Purnima Significance :

Bodh Purnima is special because it honours the most important events in Gautama Buddha’s life. His birth symbolizes new beginnings and hope, his enlightenment denotes acquired spiritual insight, and his death symbolizes the end of suffering and the attainment of nirvana.

The day also serves as a reminder of how transitory life is and how important it is to live in the present moment.

Buddha Purnima Celebration

Bodh Purnima is celebrated with great pom and joy by Buddhists in many parts of India and some Asian countries. Here are some popular methods on how people celebrate Bodh Purnima:

• Buddhists visit temples and monasteries on Bodh Purnima to pray and make sacrifices to Buddha.
• Buddhists meditate on Bodh Purnima because it is said to be a potentapproachto acquire inner peace and connect with Buddha’s teachings.
• Fasting: On Bodh Purnima, some Buddhists fast as a practise of self-discipline and purification.
• Acts of Charity: Buddhists are urged to undertake charitable acts.
• Homes, temples, and streets are festooned with Buddhist flags, flowers, and lanterns, creating a celebratory mood.

Gemstones and Buddhism

Gemstones are related with Buddhism because they are thought to offer spiritual and healing powers that can help with meditation and mindfulness practise. Gemstones are viewed as instruments in Buddhist tradition that can assist the practitioner in achieving greater inner calm and enlightenment.

Several gemstones are linked to Buddhism and Buddha’s teachings. Here are a few examples:

Lotus Seed Gemstone: The lotus seed is frequently used as a symbol of spiritual progress and enlightenment in Buddhism. The lotus blossom is also an important Buddhist symbol, representing purity, beauty, and the path to enlightenment.

Amethyst Gemstone: This purple gemstone is frequently linked to awakening and enlightenment.  It is also believed to bring serenity and tranquillity, assisting in the relaxation of the mind during meditation.

Lapis Lazuli: The lapis lazuli stone is frequently associated with the third eye chakra, which is related with intuition and spiritual understanding. It is thought to aid the practitioner in connecting with higher awareness and promoting inner calm.

Jade: Jade, a common Buddhist jewellery stone, is associated with balance and harmony. The stone enhances spiritual development and protect against negative energy.

Clear Quartz: Clear Quartz stone is known as the master healer and is considered to improve mental clarity and energy amplification. It is used in meditation to help focus the mind and connect with higher consciousness.

At Lineology Global we have a large collection of natural gemstones imported from various countries. Visit our website at www.lineologyglobal.com for more information about gemstones and avail to our other services.

Conclusion :

To summarise, Bodh Purnima is an important event for Buddhists because it reminds them of Gautama Buddha’s life and teachings and provides a time to reflect on the principles of compassion, peace, and knowledge that he promoted.

The day is most grandly honoured in countries with large Buddhist populations, with parades, processions, and cultural events.

Happy Buddha Jayanti to all. May the blessings of Buddha be with you all.