Devotees spend the day praying and sending good vibes to others as they confirm their faith, compassion, and generosity towards other people. According to the widespread belief that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment on December 8 in 596 BC, the day is typically observed on that day, however local celebration dates may vary.
The Origins Of Bodhi Day
Siddhartha Gautama, who later in life became the creator of Buddhism, was born to a wealthy Kshatriya family in Lumbini (now in Nepal) in 563 BC. Siddhartha had an opulent and privileged upbringing thanks to his father Suddhodhana, the monarch of the Shakya dynasty.
When Siddhartha once took a tour of his kingdom, he was deeply affected by the poverty and disease he encountered among the populace. He left his family and kingdom at the age of 29 in quest of the truth and remedies to these problems. He travelled and meditated for six years before finally achieving enlightenment in Bodhgaya.
A village in Bihar is called Bodhgaya. Devotees and visitors from around the world visit the location on significant events including Bodhi Day, Buddha Purnima, and more. The well-known Bodhi tree, under which Buddha meditated, is also located in Bodhgaya.
Buddhist teachings of Gautama
This insight also inspired the development of the Eight-Fold Path and the Four Noble Truths, which serve as the cornerstones of Buddhism. The Buddha mentioned the following four noble truths:
- Dukkha. Life is a suffering
- Samudaya. The cause of suffering is greed or desire
- Nirodha. End to craving can end sufferings
- Magga. The path to liberation
The following core values make up the eightfold path that Gautama Buddha taught his followers:
Correct cognition, right speech, right action, correct livelihood, correct effort, correct mindfulness, and correct focus.