Buddha Purnima: Commemorating the Auspicious Appearance of Lord Buddha

Lord Buddha preached the preliminary principles of the Vedas in a manner suitable for the time being (and so also did Sankaracarya) to establish the authority of the Vedas. Therefore both Lord Buddha and Acarya Sankara paved the path of theism, and Vaisnava acaryas, specifically Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, led the people on the path towards a realization of going back to Godhead. We are glad that people are taking interest in the nonviolent movement of Lord Buddha. But will they take the matter very seriously and close the animal slaughterhouses altogether? If not, there is no meaning to the ahimsa cult.

 

~Srila Prabhupada
SB 1.3.24, Purport

 

Date and Observance:

According to the Vaishnava calendar, Buddha Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day in the Vaisakha month. Devotees worldwide observe this sacred occasion with deep reverence and spiritual fervor, reflecting on the profound teachings of Lord Buddha.

 

Buddha Purnima, also revered as Buddha Jayanti, holds profound significance in the Vaishnava calendar. It marks the auspicious occasion of the divine birth of Lord Buddha, Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who later attained enlightenment and founded Buddhism. "Purnima" symbolizes the full moon day, while "Jayanti" signifies the birthday or appearance day in Sanskrit.

 

Auspiciousness and Significance:

Vaishnava devotees regard Buddha Purnima as a highly auspicious occasion, resonating deeply with the principles of compassion and enlightenment taught by Lord Buddha. It is a time for spiritual introspection and renewal, emphasizing the importance of leading a life rooted in kindness, empathy, and spiritual awareness.