Why in News? 

Buddha Purnima is observed on the full moon day of the Vaishakha month according to the lunar calendar, with the date varying each year in the Gregorian calendar. In 2025, Buddha Purnima will be celebrated May 12. 

Buddhism  

Buddhism originated in India over 2,600 years ago as a transformative way of life, offering the potential to change individuals' lives. 

• Buddha was born in 563 BCE in the Shakya clan of Kapilvastu, near the Indo-Nepal Border (Lumbini). 
• At 29, he renounced his life of luxury to embrace asceticism (self-discipline), eventually attaining Bodhi (enlightenment) after 49 days of meditation under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya in Bihar. 
• His first sermon, known as Dharma-Chakra-Pravartana, was delivered in Sarnath, near Banaras. 
• Buddha passed away in 483 BCE at Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh, a moment referred to as Mahaparinirvana. 

Buddha 

Four Noble Truths 

1. Suffering (Dukkha) is an inherent part of life. 
2. Causes of Suffering (Samudya) exist. 
3. Cessation of Suffering (Nirodha) is possible. 
4. The way to end suffering is through the Eight-Fold Path (Atthanga Magga). 

Eight-Fold Path 

1. Right View: Understanding the cause of suffering. 
2. Right Intention: Aligning your intentions with compassion. 
3. Right Speech: Speaking truthfully and avoiding harmful speech. 
4. Right Action: Following ethical conduct (avoiding harm, lying, etc.). 
5. Right Livelihood: Engaging in work that does not harm others. 
6. Right Mindfulness: Being aware of your body, mind, and actions. 
7. Right Effort: Making consistent efforts to do good. 
8. Right Concentration: Practicing focused meditation. 

 Major Buddhist Texts 

• Oral Teachings: Buddha’s teachings were initially oral and passed down by his disciples. 
• First Council (483 BCE): Buddha’s teachings were divided into three Pitakas: 
  • Vinaya Pitaka: Rules for monastic conduct. 
  • Sutta Pitaka: Buddha’s core teachings. 
  • Abhidhamma Pitaka: Philosophical analysis of teachings. 
• Important Texts: Includes Dhammapada, Vinaya Pitaka, and other texts like Divyavadana and Milind Panha. 

 The Role of Buddhist Councils 

• First Council (483 BCE): Held under Mahakasyapa to preserve Buddha's teachings and divide them into three Pitakas. 
• Second Council (383 BCE): Held in Vaishali, focused on ethical concerns. 
• Third Council (250 BCE): Convened under Emperor Ashoka, leading to the spread of Buddhism beyond India. 
• Fourth Council (72 AD): Held in Kundalvana, Kashmir, marking the split into Mahayana and Hinayana schools. 

 Schools of Buddhism 

Mahayana (Great Vehicle) 

• It believes in the divinity of Buddha and emphasizes idol worship. 
• Originated in northern India, spreading to East Asia, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. 

Hinayana (Lesser Vehicle) 

• Focuses on individual salvation through self-discipline and meditation. 
• Theravada is the main Hinayana sect, dominant in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. 

Vajrayana (Tantric Buddhism) 

• Developed in India around 900 CE, it emphasizes complex rituals and esoteric practices. 

Zen 

• A school of Mahayana Buddhism originating in China, emphasizing meditation and mindfulness.