We celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha as Buddha Jayanti or
Buddha Purnima. It is celebrated all over the world in different places
with same respect and feelings. The celebration of Buddha Purnima is not
only a festival but it is reminds us of Buddha's teachings of life.
Pilgrims come from all over the world to Bodh Gaya to attend the Buddha
Poornima celebrations. The day has a special significance not only among
Buddhists but also among others. The Mahabodhi Temple wears a festive
look and is decorated with colorful flags and flowers. The day is marked
with prayer, sermons on the life of Gautam Buddha, meditations,
continuous recitation of Buddhist scriptures, processions, worship of
the statue of Buddha and symposia. Devotees reaffirm their faith in the
five principles called Panchsheel:
1. Not to take life
2. Not to steal
3. Not to lie
4. Not to consume liquor or other intoxicants
5. Not to commit adultery
The Chinese scholar, Fa-Hien, has recorded celebration of this
festival. The day is a celebration of Buddha's teachings to the world.
It reminds us of his preaching to the mankind. Among the teachings of
the Buddha to the world, the foremost was "Ahimsa" (not
causing harm to anyone). Non-violence is not merely refraining from
inflicting injuries on others with one's limbs or weapons. Non-violence
has to be practiced with purity of mind, tongue, and body. There should
be no ill feelings, which is a form of violence. To cause harm to others
through the body is also violence (Himsa). No one should be harmed even
by speech. The speech should be sweet, pleasing and wholesome. All
actions should be helpful to others. If we practice even half of what he
has said than this world will be a different place to live.
