In the realm of Buddhism, the months of May and June are considered of immense significance as they mark the celebration of the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. The day is celebrated as, the Saka Dawa Festival. The festival brings together millions of followers from around the world to honor the life and teachings of Buddha.
The day holds deep-rooted spiritual and cultural significance. It is a lunar month that honors and commemorates the life events of lord Buddha’s life. This festival takes place every four months annually as per the Tibetan lunar calendar.
Buddha Purnima is solemnized with profound dedication and reverence. All the devotees come together to honor their deity’s life events. This occasion holds deep significance as a reminder to reflect upon the profound teachings and transformative journey of the Buddha. These two months are regarded as the “month of merit” where the impact of one’s action be it good r bad amplifies up to a hundred million times.
We’ve curated a complete guide on an auspicious day that will take you on a spiritual journey as we unravel the beauty and depth of the Buddhist festival.
Check out the Guide Here:
Understanding the Significance:
The Saka Dawa Festival got its name from Tibetan astrology, where “Saka” represents the fourth month and “Dawa” signifies the month itself. During this period, devotees from across the globe devote themselves to intensified Dharma practice, acts of generosity, and expressions of compassion in order to get greater merits in their lives.
This observance not only helps to nullify negative karma but also serves as a commemoration of the profound deeds of Buddha. The act of prayer holds Central to the essence of Saka Dawa, as devotees offer prayers for the well-being and longevity of all spiritual teachers across traditions, who have spread the teachings of Buddha.
The Three Major Events
On the fourth month of every year. According to Buddhist beliefs, it is said that the three pivotal events in the life of Lord Buddha occurred on the night of the full moon. So, the full moon night holds the utmost significance which is known as Saka Dawa Duchen.
Those three pivotal events are birth and enlightenment of his death.
The festival of Buddha Purnima is regarded as the month of merits because five of the major life events of lord buddha took place. Therefore the Buddhists hold this period to be of utmost importance and reverence. We have compiled a detailed guide on the three major life events which are the reason why this festival is celebrated.
Check out the three major events here:
Birth
The birth of lord buddha took place in Nepal. He was given the name Shakyamuni upon his attainment of enlightenment when he became a Buddha. In Sanskrit, the term Buddha signifies the “awakened one”. Though there is a discrepancy in the actual birth date of Buddha, among the scriptural and traditional beliefs. However, the day of the full moon of the Vesak month is celebrated as the occasion of Buddha’s birth. This event holds supreme value in the Saka Dawa Festival.
Attaining enlightenment
Buddha achieved enlightenment at the age of 35 under the Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya, India. He meditated under the Bodhi Tree, on a full moon night. In his iconic depictions, he is often portrayed sitting on a lotus which is on a moon disc. In the pictorial depiction, he holds an alms bowl, In his left hand, resting gently on his lap with its opening facing upward, while his right hand assumes the Bhumisparsha mudra, the gesture of touching the earth.
This mudra is a sign of his triumph over the three formidable demons of untimely death, contaminated aggregates of existence, and the veils of delusion. The alms bowl itself is believed to contain three precious nectars, representing the profound victory he achieved over these obstacles, attesting to his awakened state of being.
Death
The death of Buddha also known as Parinivana, took place in Kushingar. This is regarded as one of the 12 greatest deeds that he did. In the Buddhist realms, it is regarded that the entire forest was turned into a spectacle during the Parinirvana was attended by all the disciples, including the royals, birds, and animals. While he rested, he was adorned with flowers and enchanting songs and dances to bid him farewell.
The entire forest had blossoms cascading upon him from heaven. The hears of the disciples were filled with sorrow as their deity was departing for his heavenly abode. The attendants were pleading with him to not leave.
Conclusion
The festival of Buddha Purnima holds great importance for his disciples who celebrate the festival with great pomp and show. The festival has different names for different festivals, it’s called the Saga Dawa in Sikkimese and Tibetan cultures while in other Asian countries, it is regarded as Vesak Day. In India and Nepal, it is called Buddha Purnima.
Also Read: Complete Guide: Yuru Kabgyat Festival Ladakh
