Good morning everyone,
Respected Principal, teachers, and my dear friends,
Today, I feel truly honored to stand before you and share a few thoughts on the occasion of Buddha Purnima, one of the most peaceful and spiritually meaningful festivals celebrated in India and around the world.
Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak, is observed to mark the birth, enlightenment, and death (Mahaparinirvana) of Gautama Buddha—the founder of Buddhism. All three major events in his life are believed to have occurred on the same day—the full moon day of the month of Vaisakh, which usually falls in April or May.
Friends, the story of Buddha’s life is not just a story from history—it is a story of inner transformation.
Born as Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini, in present-day Nepal, around 563 BCE, he was a prince raised in luxury and comfort. His father, the king, tried to shield him from the sufferings of the world. But as Siddhartha grew older, he encountered the realities of life—old age, disease, and death. These experiences disturbed him deeply and made him question the meaning of life.
At the age of 29, he left his palace, his family, and all material comforts in search of the truth. He wandered for years, meditated deeply, and finally, under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, he attained Enlightenment. From that day forward, he became known as Buddha, which means “The Enlightened One.”
Now, what makes Buddha so special is not just his journey, but what he taught the world. His teachings are not about worship or rituals—they are about how to live a peaceful, meaningful life.
One of the core teachings of Buddha is the Four Noble Truths:
- Life is full of suffering.
- Suffering has a cause—our desires and attachments.
- There is an end to suffering.
- There is a path to end suffering.
That path is what Buddha called the Noble Eightfold Path. It includes:
- Right understanding,
- Right thought,
- Right speech,
- Right action,
- Right livelihood,
- Right effort,
- Right mindfulness, and
- Right concentration.
These are not religious rules—they are principles for anyone who wants to live with more peace and less stress.
On Buddha Purnima, people around the world gather in temples, offer prayers, chant Buddhist scriptures, and practice kindness. Devotees light candles, decorate homes and temples with flowers, and remember the values Buddha taught. Many people spend the day doing good deeds like feeding the poor, helping animals, or donating to the needy.
But friends, the real way to celebrate Buddha Purnima is not just with lamps or flowers—it is by bringing his teachings into our daily lives.
In today’s world, where people are always rushing, where there’s so much competition, stress, and conflict, Buddha’s message is more relevant than ever. He reminds us to slow down. To be kind. To understand that true happiness doesn’t come from money, status, or success—it comes from inner peace.
Let’s ask ourselves—can we be a little more kind, a little more patient, a little more mindful every day?
If yes, then we are already walking the path of Buddha.
In conclusion, Buddha Purnima is not just a religious event—it is a reminder. A reminder to be more human, more compassionate, and more aware.
Let us honor Lord Buddha, not just through celebration, but through action—by living with honesty, peace, and care for others.
Thank you so much for listening.
Wish you all a peaceful and meaningful Buddha Purnima.