16th
May
2022

Buddha Purnima 2022

Let none find fault with others; let none see the omissions and commissions of others. But let one see one’s own acts, done and undone.”      - Lord Buddha

Buddha Purnima not only marks the day when Gautam Buddha was born but also the day when he attained Nirvana under the Mahabodhi tree at Bodh Gaya. Lord Buddha was born as Prince Siddhartha Gautama on the full moon day in 563 BC at Lumbini in Nepal. His birth anniversary is also known as Vaisakhi, Buddha Purnima or Vesak.  The full moon day of May is the most important for Buddhists. Prince Siddhartha was born at Lumbini, grove on the full moon day, he attained enlightenment under the shade of the Bodhi tree and became Gautam Buddha at Bodh Gaya and after 45 years of teaching the Truth, when he was eighty, he passed away at Kusinara on the full moon day of May. This day is commemorated by Buddhists and Hindus all over the world and is a major festival in countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, Burma, Thailand, Tibet, China, Korea, Laos, Vietnam, and Mongolia, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.

To pay tribute to the birth and enlightenment of Gautam Buddha, Students of Krishnagar Public School celebrated Buddha Purnima with utmost reverence and holiness. The students of Class 6 drew the beautiful Buddhist flag with famous- ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ mantra on it showing that through the practice of a buddha’s path which is an indivisible union of method and wisdom, one can transform one’s impure body, speech, and mind into the pure exalted body, speech, and mind of a Buddha. The students of Class 7 made a beautiful poster on ‘Noble Eightfold Path’ which are the eight parts of the path to liberation are grouped into three essential elements of Buddhist practice—moral conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom to end the suffering. Students of class 8 wrote an essay on the dictums of buddha like the Four Noble Truths as preached by Lord Buddha and some inspirational quotes like “A disciplined mind brings happiness”, “You are the community now. Be a lamp for yourselves. Be your own refuge. Seek for no other. All things must pass. Strive on diligently. Don’t give up”. Student also gave a speech about the life events and the teachings of Buddha and its implication in daily life like having relation with others, true happiness, success, kindness, patience, equality, having disciplined mind, gratitude, and humanity.

The performances and activities by the students mesmerized us and gave a glimpse of the life of a Prince who chose the path of wisdom and enlightenment over worldly desires. The students felt motivated to follow and practice the preaching of Lord Buddha in their life.