Buddha Purnima 2024: Essential Dos And Don’ts to Follow While Worshipping Lord Buddha

Buddha Purnima is a significant day in the Buddhist calendar dedicated to Lord Buddha. This year, the auspicious day falls on May 23. The festival is commemorated with devotion and reverence by Buddhists across the globe. It is believed that Buddha Purnima is the birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha. The followers of Lord Buddha celebrate the day with processions and reminders about the life lessons of Gautam Buddha. As we gear up, to celebrate the auspicious day, Mahi Kashyap, CEO & Founder of Vedic Meet shared essential dos and don’ts that one needs to keep in mind. Have a look!

Dos

• Visit a Buddhist Temple: On this day, one must visit a temple or monastery to celebrate Lord Buddha. Participating in the rituals or ceremonies will help you feel the essence of Lord Buddha. Sit at the temple, reflect on the teachings of the Buddha, and seek spiritual growth.
• Meditation: Meditation is one of the core aspects of Buddhist practice. Spending some time meditating will help you become mindful and compassionate and achieve inner peace. You can join clubs or group meditation sessions at a temple, which will help you keep calm.
• Offerings: Offerings are a way to show respect and gratitude to Lord Buddha. You can offer flowers, incense, candles, fruits, and other symbolic items. They can be made at temples or at home.
• Practice Kindness and Compassion: Throughout his enlightenment journey, Buddha taught kindness and compassion toward every being. On this auspicious day, everyone must engage in acts of kindness, like helping others in need, donating to charity, or simply being more considerate and understanding daily interactions.
• Understanding Buddhist teachings :
  It is a day to deepen your understanding of the Buddha’s teachings. Read Buddha scriptures, listen to Dharma talks, and join study groups to learn about Lord Buddha. This will help you join the path of enlightenment and become calmer inside.

Don’ts

• Avoid any harmful activities:
  Buddha Purnima is the day of peace and reflection. You can also avoid activities that can cause harm to yourself and others. It can be staying away from any violent actions, shouting or harsh speech, and any exploitation, abuse, etc.
• Limit any consumption of Alcohol or meat:
  As it is an auspicious festival, one should avoid consuming alcohol and meat. In spite of being from a royal family, Lord Buddha avoided consuming alcohol and meat. Instead, you can try vegetarian meals and beverages.
• Negative Thoughts and Emotions: Celebrate in moderation, whether it is in terms of food, festivities, or material pleasures. Try to keep your mind free from negative thoughts and emotions such as anger, jealousy, and hatred. Practice patience, forgiveness, and empathy, aligning your mindset with the teachings of Buddha.
• Don’t Ignore the Significance of the Day:
  While it may be easy to get caught up in the routine of daily life, remember the significance of Buddha Purnima. Take time to reflect on Buddha’s life and teachings and how you can incorporate these teachings into your own life.
• Avoid Superficial Celebrations: While rituals and ceremonies are important, avoid celebrating Buddha Purnima superficially. Instead, focus on the spiritual essence of the day rather than merely going through the motions.