BUDDHA PURNIMA REACHING EVERY CORNER OF THE WORLD

Photo by wilsan u on Unsplash

Today is Buddhpurnima a day to again talk about the 4th largest religion of the world. It originated in India some 2,500 years ago. Buddhists believe that human life is one of suffering and through meditation, spiritual, and physical labor, and good behavior towards each other — one easily achieves enlightenment, or nirvana.

The first person to achieve this level of enlightenment was Siddhartha Gautama, who is still referred to as the Buddha today. Buddhists reject all notions of gods and deities, yet they do acknowledge the existence of supernatural beings who can either assist or obstruct a person’s journey toward enlightenment.

Let’s know some history behind it

Siddhartha Gautama was a prince in the fifth century B.C.E. who was born on the Nepali side of the modern-day border between Nepal and India. It was at this time that he witnessed the suffering of human life and came to understand it. He gave up his fortune and lived as a destitute beggar for a while. He also traveled and practiced meditation, but in the end, he was still unhappy and decided to follow “the Middle Way.”

According to this theory, enlightenment could only be attained by leading a manner of life that was in the middle of the two extremes — either extreme prosperity or extreme asceticism. He eventually attained nirvana, or enlightenment, under the Bodhi tree (also known as the tree of awakening), while in a deeply meditative condition. His place of enlightenment, the Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar, India, is today a popular destination for Buddhists.

Buddhists say that although reincarnation and suffering are a part of human existence, enlightenment, or nirvana, offers an everlasting separation from this cycle. The first person to achieve this level of enlightenment was Siddhartha Gautama, who is still referred to as the Buddha today. Buddhists reject all notions of gods and deities, yet they do acknowledge the existence of supernatural beings who can either assist or obstruct a person’s journey toward enlightenment.

DO IT WITH ALL YOUR HEART

Let us remember Buddha’s Four Noble Truths in our lives and be motivated whenever we feel like quitting;

1. The first truth is called “Suffering (dukkha),” which teaches that everyone in life is suffering in some way.
2. The second truth is “Origin of suffering (samudāya).” This states that all suffering comes from desire (tanhā).
3. The third truth is “Cessation of suffering (nirodha),” and it says that it is possible to stop suffering and achieve enlightenment.
4. The fourth truth, “Path to the cessation of suffering (magga)” is about the Middle Way, which is the steps to achieve enlightenment.

However, I believe that whatever we follow and have faith it should be 100%. And it should reflect in your personality as well- the one you are following and worshiping and learning his/her teachings- should have an impact on you. In every office and home interiors we tend to see Buddha’s idol or a picture on the wall. A very common site but seldom the people living around it understands the importance of it. And i hope sooner, people understands that whatever you put on your walls- should be your personality reflection not just for the sake of showpiece. Also, learns to value and respect the Buddha’s images and decorations.