Buddha Purnima 2022: Date, Time, Rituals, Significance and Teachings

• By Dr Prabhukar Mishra
• May 10, 2022August 2, 2022

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The Buddhist festival of Buddha Purnima, commonly known as Vesak, is one of the most important festivals for Buddhists. It is a Buddhist holiday commemorating Gautam Buddha’s birth. On this day, countries such as India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal hold large celebrations.

Buddha Jayanti is commemorated in the month of Vaisakh on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu calendar year 2022, and is thus known as Buddha Purnima. Vesak will fall in either May or April in 2022, according to the Gregorian calendar.

Buddha Purnima Date 2022

Monday, 16 May 2022

Buddha Purnima Tithi Timing: May 15, 12:46 pm – May 16, 9:44 am

Buddha Purnima Rituals

• Buddha Jayanti represents calmness and encourages us to live a simple and true life, like Gautam Buddha did. On Buddha Poornima, do the following rituals:
• Truth, humanity, and liberation are at the heart of Buddha Purnima. As a result, during Vesak or Buddha Purnima celebrations, caged birds and animals should be released.
• Decorate the Bodhi tree with flowers and flags, and surround it with bright lanterns.
• Pray for inner peace by pouring holy water on the tree’s roots.
• On this day, it is considered auspicious to meditate.
  Recite the holy teachings based on the life of Gautam Buddha.
• Pay your respects by placing flowers and candles in front of the Lord’s idol.
• Wear white garments on this day to maintain purity.
  Donate clothes and feed the poor with Kheer (sweet rice porridge).
• On this day, remain vegetarian.

On Buddha Purnima, you should follow the five principles, commonly known as ‘Panchsheel,’ which are as follows:

1. Not to Take Life
2. Not to Rob
3. Not to Lie
4. Not to Consume Alcohol
5. Not to Commit Infidelity

Significance of Buddha Purnima

It is a very significant day for Buddhists all around the world. Gautam Buddha was recognised as one of the most renowned and greatest spiritual leaders in history, having forsaken all worldly riches and pleasures in order to live a modest and spiritual existence.

Buddha preached superior philosophy and ideals to everyone. He established Buddhism. The Buddha’s teachings are seen as a way for his followers to be free of their suffering.

Teachings of Lord Buddha

According to Buddhist sources, Lord Buddha taught a variety of things. However, Lord Buddha’s core teachings are founded on the Four Noble Truths, which state:

• The presence of suffering is identified by the First Truth.
• It denotes that each birth includes Dukkha, or misery.
• The reason of suffering is determined by the Second Truth.
• This truth reveals that attachment and desires or appetites cause misery.
• The end of pain is the third truth. It implies that achieving Nirvana, or salvation, can bring an end to suffering.
• The means for achieving the end of suffering is the fourth Truth.
• These techniques are known as the Noble Eightfold Path.

Noble EightFold Path of Buddha

1. Right Understanding,
2. Right Action,
3. Right Thought,
4. Right Mindfulness,
5. Right Livelihood,
6. Right Speech
7. Right Effort
8. Right Concentration

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Buddha Purnima and why it is celebrated?

The festival of Buddha Purnima commemorates the birth of Lord Buddha. The 10th of May is Buddha Purnima. Prince Siddhartha Gautama, later known as Gautama Buddha, was born in Nepal’s Terai region in 623 B.C., according to Buddhist tradition.

2. Who celebrates Buddha Purnima?

Not just in India, but also in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Cambodia, Java, Indonesia, Tibet, and Mongolia, the day is observed. It’s also known as Vesak or Vaisakhi Buddha Purnima.

3. What does Buddha Purnima do?

Normally, Buddhists from the neighbouring communities march to the pagodas in colourful procession. People offer alms, pour water at the foot of the Bodhi Tree, and meditate. On the occasion of Buddha Purnima, many devotees flock to Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bodh Gaya, Bihar.

4. What should we eat in Buddha Purnima?

Kheer is the most well-known prasad served at the Buddha Purnima festival. People give Lord Buddha kheer first, then distribute it as prasad. This prasad is also given to monks and those who are less privileged. Rice, milk, sugar, and dried fruits are used to make it.