Himangshu Ranjan Bhuyan
(himangshur1989@gmail.com)
Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti, is among the most sacred and significant days celebrated not only by the followers of Buddhism but also by those who revere the message of peace, non-violence, and enlightenment that Gautama Buddha bestowed upon the world. It is a day of immense spiritual resonance, as it marks not one but three crucial events in the life of the Buddha – his birth in Lumbini, his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, and his Mahaparinirvana at Kushinagar. All three events are believed to have taken place on the full moon day in the month of Vaisakha, which typically falls in April or May according to the Gregorian calendar. This extraordinary convergence makes Buddha Purnima a profoundly symbolic day – a day of birth, realisation, and liberation.
The historical figure known as Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha or the ‘Awakened One’, was born around the 6th century BCE into a royal family in Lumbini, in present-day Nepal. His early life was one of luxury, sheltered from the harsh realities of the world. However, a series of encounters with an old man, a sick person, a dead body, and a wandering ascetic changed his perspective forever. These experiences exposed him to the universal suffering inherent in human life and kindled in him a profound urge to find its cause and the way to transcend it. Renouncing his royal comforts, he embarked on a quest for truth, undergoing years of intense meditation and asceticism. Ultimately, under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, he attained enlightenment, discovering the path that leads to the cessation of suffering. This path, encapsulated in the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, forms the bedrock of Buddhist philosophy.
Buddha Purnima is not just a celebration of these monumental events but a time for deep reflection, for returning to the core values that the Buddha advocated. His message was simple yet transformative: suffering exists, it has a cause, it can end, and there is a way to end it. This pathway is not confined to monks or ascetics alone but is accessible to all who earnestly seek wisdom and compassion. It is this universal accessibility that has allowed the Buddha’s teachings to transcend geographical, cultural, and temporal boundaries, earning him reverence not only among Buddhists but also among people from diverse faiths and philosophies.
On Buddha Purnima, people across the world pay homage to the Buddha in diverse and meaningful ways. In India, where the Buddha walked, taught, and attained enlightenment, the day is marked by visits to temples and monasteries, prayers, sermons, meditation sessions, and offerings of flowers, candles, and incense at Buddhist shrines. Devotees often observe the five precepts laid down by the Buddha: to abstain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, and intoxicants. Temples are decorated with Buddhist flags, and images of the Buddha are adorned with fresh garlands. Many engage in acts of charity and kindness, reflecting the Buddha’s emphasis on compassion. The ritual of bathing Buddha statues with water or scented milk, known as “abhisheka”, is practised as a symbolic act of inner purification.
In countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, where Theravada Buddhism is predominant, Vesak is celebrated with great fervour. Streets are illuminated with lanterns, devotees observe strict religious precepts, and large congregations listen to sermons recounting the life and teachings of the Buddha. In Mahayana Buddhist countries such as China, Korea, and Japan, the celebrations include releasing birds, animals, and fish as an act of compassion and liberation. In recent years, even countries with smaller Buddhist populations have begun to acknowledge the spiritual significance of this day, celebrating it as an occasion of universal peace and brotherhood. The United Nations, recognising the Buddha’s message of peace and non-violence, declared Vesak an international day of observance in 1999.
In the Indian subcontinent, where the echoes of the Buddha’s teachings still reverberate through ancient stupas, monasteries, and pilgrimage sites, Buddha Purnima is also a reminder of a shared cultural and spiritual heritage. Sites like Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, and Rajgir become hubs of activity, drawing pilgrims and spiritual seekers from across the globe. These places, where the Buddha lived and taught, carry a sacred energy that continues to inspire introspection and inner awakening.
The relevance of Buddha Purnima in today’s world is profound. In an age marked by increasing materialism, conflict, and emotional turmoil, the teachings of the Buddha offer a path to inner peace and collective harmony. The emphasis on mindfulness, right thought, right speech, and right action forms a guide not just for personal development but for ethical living in society. The concept of dependent origination teaches the interconnection of all beings, encouraging a sense of responsibility and compassion for others. In the face of environmental crises, social inequality, and mental health challenges, the Buddha’s middle path offers a balanced approach that avoids extremes and fosters sustainable well-being.
Moreover, Buddha Purnima inspires people to look beyond religious formalities and engage in genuine self-transformation. The essence of Buddhism lies not in ritual but in understanding, in cultivating awareness and empathy. It urges individuals to observe their thoughts and actions, to tame their desires, and to live in harmony with themselves and others. This universal philosophy resonates deeply across cultures and can be practised irrespective of religious identity.
The day also serves as a unifying force, bringing together diverse communities in a shared celebration of peace. It reminds us that spiritual awakening is not a distant ideal but a possibility that lies within each one of us. The Buddha did not claim divine status for himself; rather, he presented himself as a guide and teacher who had discovered a path that anyone could follow. His humility, wisdom, and compassion continue to inspire generations of seekers and leaders alike.
As schools, temples, and communities observe Buddha Purnima, it is also an opportunity for education and dialogue. Young people are introduced to the life story of the Buddha, often through storytelling, plays, and art. This engagement helps instil values of patience, kindness, and mindfulness from an early age. Educational institutions often organise talks and discussions on the relevance of Buddhist philosophy in modern life. In this way, Buddha Purnima becomes not just a ritual observance but a living tradition that nurtures ethical and spiritual growth.
In a diverse and pluralistic country like India, Buddha Purnima also serves as a bridge of unity, reminding us of the syncretic traditions that define our heritage. It underscores the deep connections between different faiths and philosophies and the importance of dialogue, tolerance, and mutual respect. The celebration of Buddha as an incarnation of Vishnu in Hinduism further illustrates this confluence and shared reverence.
In literature and the arts, the figure of the Buddha continues to be a source of inspiration. From ancient sculptures and frescoes to modern films and poetry, his serene visage and tranquil presence symbolise the timeless quest for truth. Cultural performances and art exhibitions during Buddha Purnima often reflect these themes, offering not just aesthetic delight but spiritual insight.
As dusk falls on Buddha Purnima, with lamps lit and chants resonating in the air, there is a palpable sense of peace that descends upon devotees and observers alike. It is a peace born not of momentary celebration but of deep contemplation – a reminder that the journey of the Buddha is not just his alone but one that each of us can undertake in our own lives. Whether one is a monk in a monastery or a student in a city school, the values that Buddha stood for – truth, compassion, mindfulness, and liberation – are as relevant today as they were over two millennia ago.
In conclusion, Buddha Purnima is not merely a religious festival; it is a celebration of a profound spiritual awakening that transformed the course of human history. It is a day to remember the life of a prince who became a sage, who relinquished the world in order to understand it, and who taught that true happiness lies not in possessions but in inner freedom. As the world gathers to honour the Buddha, his timeless message of peace, love, and enlightenment continues to illuminate minds and hearts across boundaries, guiding humanity towards a more compassionate and conscious existence.