On 3rd July, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, celebrated Ashadha Purnima as the Dharma Chakra Pravartana Divas at the National Museum in Janpath, New Delhi. This event is the annual flagship celebration of the IBC and holds great significance for Buddhists as the second most sacred day after Buddha Purnima or Vaishakha Purnima. The event commemorates the turning of the Wheel of Dharma by the Buddha, marking the beginning of his teachings.
More About the Event
During the Dharma Chakra Pravartana Divas celebrations on Ashadha Purnima, President Smt. Droupadi Murmu encouraged the youth to draw inspiration from the teachings of Buddha. She emphasized the importance of embracing Lord Buddha’s three teachings: Sheel, Sadhachar, and Pragya. By following these teachings, the younger generation can empower themselves and contribute to building a peaceful society, nation, and world.
The President highlighted the relevance of Lord Buddha’s teachings in our daily lives and urged everyone to study and understand his first sermon delivered in Sarnath. By gaining a deep understanding of Buddha Dhamma, we can integrate its principles into our lives and uphold our ancient cultural heritage. The President’s message aimed to inspire individuals to lead a righteous and wise life based on compassion, moral conduct, and wisdom, thus fostering a harmonious society.
About Ashadha Purnima
Ashadha Purnima holds great significance in Buddhism as it marks the occasion when Buddha delivered his first teaching after attaining Enlightenment.
- This teaching, known as the Dhamma Cakka- Pavattana Sutta or Dharma Chakra Pravartana Sutra, took place at Deer Park in Sarnath, near Varanasi.
- It is also referred to as the Turning of Wheels of Dharma.
- During this teaching, Buddha expounded the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eight-Fold Path.
- Ashadha Purnima is also the beginning of the Rainy Season retreat, known as Varsha Vassa, for Buddhist monks and nuns.
- It is a period of three lunar months, from July to October, during which they remain in one place and engage in intensive meditation and spiritual practice.
In addition, the day is observed as Guru Purnima by both Buddhists and Hindus. It is a day to express reverence and gratitude towards their respective spiritual teachers or gurus. The day holds special significance for seeking blessings and guidance on the spiritual path.
About Lord Buddha
Lord Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, was a spiritual teacher who lived in ancient India. He is considered the founder of Buddhism, one of the world’s major religions.
- Siddhartha was born into a wealthy family in Lumbini, Nepal.
- He was raised in luxury and had everything he could ever want.
- However, he was troubled by the suffering he saw in the world.
- He eventually gave up his wealth and status to become a wandering ascetic.
- After years of searching, Siddhartha finally achieved enlightenment under a bodhi tree. He became known as the Buddha, which means “the awakened one” or “the enlightened one.”
- The Buddha taught that the root of suffering is attachment. He said that we can end suffering by following the Noble Eightfold Path, which is a set of guidelines for living a moral and ethical life.
The Buddha’s teachings have had a profound impact on the world. Buddhism is now one of the world’s major religions, with over 500 million followers. The Buddha’s teachings have also influenced other religions, such as Hinduism and Jainism.
4 Events in the Life of Lord Buddha
- Birth: Siddhartha Gautama was born in Lumbini, Nepal, in the 6th century BCE. He was born into a wealthy family and was given the name Siddhartha, which means “he who achieves his goals.”
- Renunciation: Siddhartha was troubled by the suffering he saw in the world. He eventually gave up his wealth and status to become a wandering ascetic. He traveled for many years, practicing different forms of austerities.
- Enlightenment: After years of searching, Siddhartha finally achieved enlightenment under a bodhi tree. He became known as the Buddha, which means “the awakened one” or “the enlightened one.”
- First Sermon: After his enlightenment, the Buddha traveled throughout India, sharing his teachings with others. His first sermon was given in Sarnath, India. In this sermon, he outlined the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.
Key Teachings of Lord Buddha
- The Four Noble Truths:
- Life is suffering.
- The cause of suffering is attachment.
- The end of suffering is possible.
- The path to the end of suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path.
- The Noble Eightfold Path:
- Right understanding
- Right thought
- Right Speech
- Right action
- Right livelihood
- Right effort
- Right mindfulness
- Right concentration
- The Three Universal Truths:
- All compounded things are impermanent.
- All conditioned things are unsatisfactory.
- All phenomena are not-self.
The teachings of Lord Buddha are still relevant today. They offer guidance on how to live a happy and fulfilling life, even in the face of suffering.
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