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Buddha Purnima 2021

IAS Current Affairs

Buddha Purnima
Source : Indian Express
GS II : Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times

Why in News ?

Buddha Purnima also known as Buddha Jayanti is an auspicious day that marks the birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.

  • It is believed that this was also the day he attained enlightenment.
  • Buddha Purnima falls on a full moon night, usually between April and May, and it is a gazetted holiday in India.
Buddha Purnima
  • Also called as Vesak Celebrations.
  • The festival marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha and is celebrated by the Buddhist community across the country as well as in countries like Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia etc.
  • The festival holds special importance and is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm.
  • The date of the festival typically falls in the month of April or May.
  • During Vesak, dharma wheel symbol is commonly seen.
    • Dharma wheel is also called dharmachakra.
    • The great teachings of Gautam Buddha are represented through this wheel.
Gautama Buddha
  • Gautam Buddha is born as Siddhartha Gautama to King Suddhodana.
  • In 563 BCE, Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini as per the Theravada Tripitaka scriptures.
  • Buddha delivered his first sermon on deliverance from sufferings to his five former companions at Sarnath.
    • This event is known as Dhamma Chakka-Pavattana.
  • Five forms that represent Buddha are:
    • Lotus and Bull – Birth
    • Horse – Renunciation
    • Bodhi Tree – Mahabodhi
    • Dhammachakra Pravartana – First sermon
    • Footprints – Nirvana
  • Three pillars of his teachings are:
    • Buddha – Founder/Teacher
    • Dhamma – Teachings
    • Sangha – Order of Buddhist Monks and Nuns
  • Eight-Fold Paths
    1. Right Vision (Samma-Ditthi)
    2. Right Thought or Attitude (Samma-Sankappa)
    3. Right or Whole Speech (Samma-Vacca
    4. Right or Integral Action (Samma-Kammanta)
    5. Do not speak a lie.
    6. Do not commit violence.
    7. Do not covet the property of others.
    8. Do not indulge in corrupt practices or sensual behaviour.

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