Buddha

Buddham Sharanam Gacchaami

Did you know that:
The Full Moon Day of the month of Vaishaakha (May) is the:

1. The Birthday of Gautama Buddha

2. The Renunciation day of Gautama Buddha

3. The Enlightenment day (Nirvaana) day of Gautama Buddha.

Buddha was born near Kapilavastu in Nepalese Terai. At his birth-site stands an engraved pillar, erected by Ashoka proclaiming: 'Here the Buddha was born!' Here Siddhartha lived a life of luxury up to the age of 29 years. After the young prince witnessed 'old age', 'sickness' and 'death', the future Buddha renounced his princely life in search of the key to 'freedom from sorrow'.

After 7 years of severe austerities, Buddha went into a state of deep meditation and attained 'Nirvaana' (Enlightenment) under the shade of a peepal tree in Bodh Gaya, 6 miles south of Gaya in Bihar.

Buddha attained Supreme Nirvaana in his 80th year after spreading his wondrous message to so many.

Today, on the full moon day of the month of Vaisaakha, let us pay homage to the man who taught humanity to follow the 'Middle Path' (Not too much austerity, not too much indulgence)

Who expounded the theory that Desire is the root of all suffering.

And who preached and urged man to practice compassion and to have love in their hearts for their fellow beings on earth. Probably some of the qualities that one must aspire for in excess.