Buddha Purnima 2023: Date, Significance, Celebrations, Rituals, Symbols and Epic Tales

Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti, is an important festival in Buddhism that commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. The festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the lunar month of Vaisakha (April or May) and is observed by millions of Buddhists around the world.

When will Buddha Purnima be celebrated in 2023?

Buddha Purnima will be celebrated on Friday, May 5, 2023.
The festival falls on the first full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Vaisakha, which corresponds to April-May in the Gregorian calendar.

The Significance of Buddha Purnima

Buddha Purnima is celebrated to honour the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha, who is considered to be the founder of Buddhism. It is believed that Lord Buddha was born on the full moon day of Vaisakha in Lumbini, which is now located in modern-day Nepal. He attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, and passed away in Kushinagar, India.

The festival of Buddha Purnima is significant for Buddhists as it provides an opportunity to reflect on the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. His teachings of compassion, non-violence, and mindfulness are considered to be the fundamental principles of Buddhism, which continue to teach and inspire millions of people around the world. 

Rituals and Celebrations

Buddha Purnima is celebrated with great enthusiasm by Buddhists around the world. The celebrations vary from region to region, but the common rituals and practices include:

1. Visiting Temples: Buddhists visit temples on Buddha Purnima to offer prayers and seek blessings. They offer flowers, incense, and fruits to Lord Buddha's statue, which is decorated with colourful cloth.
   
2. Meditation: Meditation is an essential part of Buddhism, and many Buddhists meditate on Buddha Purnima to attain inner peace and enlightenment. They sit in silence, focusing on their breath and thoughts, and try to achieve a state of mindfulness.
   
3. Chanting: Chanting is another practice that is common on Buddha Purnima. Buddhists chant mantras and stotras to honour Lord Buddha and seek his blessings. The most common mantra chanted on this day is "Om Mani Padme Hum."
   
   
4. Offering Donations: Buddhists offer donations to temples and monasteries on Buddha Purnima as a way of showing gratitude and compassion. They donate food, clothes, and money to the poor and needy, which is considered to be a virtuous act in Buddhism.
   
5. Processions: Processions are held in many countries to mark the festival of Buddha Purnima. Buddhists carry the statue of Lord Buddha in a procession, accompanied by music and dance performances.

Symbols Associated With Lord Buddha

Lord Buddha is often depicted with various symbols that represent his life, teachings, and enlightenment. Here are some of the most commonly used symbols associated with Lord Buddha:

1. Buddha's Footprints: Buddha's Footprints are the symbols of the Buddha's presence and his teachings. These footprints are often depicted with auspicious symbols and are believed to bring good fortune and blessings to those who see them.
   
2. Bodhi Tree: The Bodhi tree is the tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. It is considered to be a sacred symbol of enlightenment and is often depicted in Buddhist art and sculpture.
   
3. Lotus Flower: The Lotus flower is a symbol of purity, spiritual awakening, and enlightenment. It is often depicted in Buddhist art, and Lord Buddha is said to have been born from a lotus flower.
   
4. Wheel of Dharma: The Wheel of Dharma is a symbol of the Buddha's teachings and represents the path to enlightenment. It is often depicted as a wheel with eight spokes, each representing one of the Eightfold Path.
   
5. Deer: The Deer is a symbol of the Buddha's first sermon at Deer Park in Sarnath, India. It represents the Buddha's teachings and his compassion towards all living beings.
   
6. Conch Shell: The Conch Shell is a symbol of the Buddha's teachings and his ability to spread the message of enlightenment. It is often depicted in Buddhist art and is used in Buddhist rituals and ceremonies.
   
7. Prayer Flags: Prayer Flags are a symbol of the Buddha's teachings and are used to spread his message of compassion and mindfulness. They are often hung in Buddhist temples and monasteries and are believed to bring blessings to those who see them.

These symbols serve as a reminder of the Buddha's teachings and inspire Buddhists to strive towards enlightenment and liberation from suffering. They are also used in Buddhist rituals and ceremonies to invoke the blessings of the Buddha and his teachings.

Epic Tales and Folklore About Lord Buddha:

1. The Birth of Lord Buddha: According to the legend, Lord Buddha's mother, Queen Maya, had a dream in which a white elephant entered her womb. The dream was interpreted as a sign that she was going to give birth to a great spiritual leader. Lord Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal, on the full moon day of Vaisakha, and his birth is celebrated as Buddha Purnima.
   
2. The Four Sights: Before Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, he went through a phase of seeking answers to the purpose of life. He left his luxurious life as a prince and set out on a spiritual journey. During his travels, he saw four sights that changed his life - an old man, a sick person, a dead body, and a monk. These sights made him realise the transience of life and the inevitability of suffering.
   
3. The Enlightenment: Lord Buddha meditated for six years before attaining enlightenment under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India. It is said that he faced many challenges during his meditation, including temptations from Mara, the demon of desire. However, he remained focused and achieved a state of enlightenment, which led to the foundation of Buddhism.
   
4. The Sermon at Deer Park: After attaining enlightenment, Lord Buddha gave his first sermon at Deer Park in Sarnath, India. The sermon, known as the "Four Noble Truths," outlined the path to enlightenment and liberation from suffering. It is considered to be one of the most significant teachings of Buddhism.
   
5. The Death of Lord Buddha: Lord Buddha passed away in Kushinagar, India, at the age of 80. It is said that he attained a state of Parinirvana, which is the ultimate state of enlightenment and liberation from suffering. His death is celebrated as Buddha Purnima and is a reminder of the impermanence of life.

These tales and folklore highlight the significance of Lord Buddha's life and teachings and provide inspiration to millions of Buddhists around the world. They serve as a reminder of the importance of compassion, mindfulness, and non-violence, which are the core principles of Buddhism.

Conclusion

Buddha Purnima is an important festival in Buddhism that commemorates the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. The festival provides an opportunity for Buddhists to reflect on their spiritual journey and seek blessings from Lord Buddha. The celebrations are marked by rituals such as visiting temples, meditation, chanting, offering donations, and processions. Through these practices, Buddhists strive to achieve inner peace and enlightenment, which are the ultimate goals of Buddhism.