Happy Buddha Jayanti 2080 | Buddha Purnima 2023

Buddha Jayanti 2023 is the most important festival for Buddhists in the world, also known as Buddha Purnima, Vesak, and Vaishakha. This auspicious day signifies the birth, enlightenment/nirvana, and death/parinirvana of Gautam Buddha.

Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini of Nepal and is the founder of Buddhism. The word Buddha means an enlightened or wise one.

Table of Contents

Buddha Purnima/Jayanti Date

Buddha Jayanti is the celebration of the birth Anniversary of Lord Buddha. The festival comes on the first full moon day or Purnima of May as per the Hindu Calendar. Buddha Jayanti 2023 will fall on 5th May 2023, which is on the 22nd Baisakh 2080 in Nepal. It was initiated after the resolution passed at the first conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists held in Sri Lanka, in 1950.

Background of बुद्ध जयन्ती

Prince Siddhartha of Kapilvastu, Lumbini, went all the way to become Lord Buddha. It was his story from around the 6th century when he was the prince foretold to become a noble king with all the luxuries he ever envied. Siddhartha was the son of King Suddhodhan Gautama and Queen Maya Devi. He was born in the garden of Sal Trees located in the charming and serene Lumbini, Nepal.

With no experience of sadness and sorrow, Prince Siddhartha left the palace & began excursions off the palace territories in his chariot to seek the reasons behind his sufferings in his late twenties. By that time he had to spend most of his time in Lumbini, Kapilvastu, Devdaha, Uttar Pradesh of India, and all the sacred places around Nepal.

Liberation took years of teaching and a mystical meditation session, where he woke up as an awakened one or the Buddha. He began enlightening people on the right path since then.

UNESCO has listed Lumbini, Nepal, as the birthplace of Gautam Buddha and a world heritage site.

Buddha’s three significant life events- birth, enlightenment, and salvation give the reason for Buddha Jayanty.

There are diverse beliefs regarding the accurate dates of his birth and death, as it remains concealed.

Observances and celebrations

Buddha Jayanti is celebrated mostly among Buddhists and Hindus around South Eastern Asian nations like India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, and many more. Some believe its the day he was born, while others consider it the day Buddha attained enlightenment

People visit Buddhist shrines and chant hymns and discourses about the life, teachings, and principles of Lord Buddha. They glorify the day by offering candles and flowers to the water-immersed Buddha’s idol.

The day also witnesses sincerity with pure food, white clothes, and donations of rice pudding(Kheer) to the needy, as taught by Buddha.

Swyambhunath and Boudhanath in Kathmandu, Nepal, observe Buddhists and foreign pilgrims all day long.

Similarly, Bodh Gaya and Sarnath of India observe huge celebrations on this day.

Yes, It is a public holiday on Buddha Jayanti 2080 in Nepal and a gazetted holiday in India.

Eightfold Pathway of Buddha

The celebration of Buddha Jayenti accompanies Dharma Chakra or Dharma Wheel, an eight-spoke wooden wheel depicting the magnificent eightfold pathway of Buddhism. These eightfold pathways help individuals escape from fallacies and attachments, resulting in rational and moral maturation.

Right View
Right Intention
Right Speech
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration

Buddha’s Mantra and Meaning

बुद्धं शरणं गच्छामि।	Buddham saranam gachhami	I devote myself to Buddha for guidance
धर्मं शरणं गच्छामि।	Dharmam saranam gachhami	I follow the path of Dharma
संघं शरणं गच्छामि।	Sangham saranam gachhami	I follow the teachers or companions for enlightenment along the route

Fundamental teachings by Lord Buddha

Here are some of her teachings to remember on the Buddha Jayanti in Nepal;

Do not harm any creatures.
Always speak the truth.
Do not steal.
Do not conduct sexual offences.
Avoid consuming intoxicating items.

Four Noble Truths by Lord Buddha

Life means suffering, it’s for all, and nobody escapes.
The origin of suffering is attachment, greed, and lust.
The end of suffering is attainable by ceasing the cause of suffering.
The path/enlightenment to end suffering/nirvana is fulfilment with our belongings. Useless things generate sorrow and grief.

Conclusion

There is a lot Lord Buddha has left for us in the form of his teachings and principles, and it’s our time to remember him for his great deeds. Don’t just celebrate Buddha Purnima 2023 with your family and friends, but go a step ahead to follow his teachings and offer donations to the needy, as they lack during the COVID-19 pandemic. Get going when it comes to helping one another in whatsoever ways possible. Have a Happy Buddha Jayanti 2023.