Buddhist Holidays

Today there are many sects of Buddhism with varying beliefs and customs but all center around the teachings of the Buddha and the main tenant that the purpose of life is to be happy and avoid suffering. Some don't consider Buddhism a religion but rather a grouping of philosophies or teachings meant to guide one towards discovering true reality.

So who is Buddha? The term "Buddha" is used in two different ways. Often it refers to the historical Buddha (Shakyamuni or Gautama Buddah) who lived in India 2,500 years ago. While he is not considered the first Buddha (or the last) his teachings form the basis of Buddhism. Buddha in general mean "Awakened One" and, in addition to being the historical Buddha, also refers to anyone who has achieved enlightenment. This means the person has transformed completely their mind and body from ignorance to a state of waking where they are free of all negative qualities, faults, and mental obstructions. Enlightenment is said to allow a person unbiased compassion and the ability to see the reality of the world and know everything about the past, present, and future.

Buddhist's don't believe that one God created and rules the world but instead believe than many deities, Bodhisattva (on the road to becoming a Buddha, or possessing Buddha-like qualities), and celestial Buddha's fill the universe. Buddhist's strive to realize the truth of human nature and achieve the ultimate reality by following the teachings of these entities.

There are two main divisions of Buddhism, which also correspond to different geographical and cultural groupings. Theravada, the oldest Buddhist school of thought, is found predominantly in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand). Mahayana, the second of the two main Buddhism divisions, dominates in East Asia (including China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore). Mahayana also encompasses Tibetan Buddhism which, along with dominating in Tibet, is also found in the surrounding areas of India, Mongolia, Nepal, and Russia. Buddhism is also increasingly popular in the West, although it is not considered a dominant religion in that region.

Buddhist's have many holidays and festivals, most of which mark important events in the life of the Buddha or (for Mahayana Buddhist's) different Bodhisattvas. As with other religions, the holidays are determined by a lunar calendar and actual dates can vary between countries and divisions. Festivals and holidays are joyous events in the life of a Buddhist. Celebrations typically include visiting a local temple and making offerings of food or other items to the monks who reside there. Often visitors attend a Dharma talk (teachings and methods), and engage in chanting and meditation while walking around the temple (circumambulating). Buddhist's make three trips around the temple in honor of the Three Jewels of Buddhism, namely the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. Afternoon activities of a festival day often include distributing food to the poor.

Some important Buddhist holidays include the Buddhist New Year, Sangha/Magha Puja Day, Dhamma/Asalha Puja Day, Observance/Uposatha Day, Kathina Ceremony and the Festival of Floating Bowls/Loy Krathong, Elephant Festival, Festival of the Tooth, and Ancestor/Ulambana Day. The most important holiday to Buddhist's is the birthday of the historical Buddha (called Vesak, Visakah Puja, or Buddha Day) and is celebrated on the day of the first full moon in May.

Major Buddhist Holidays