Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon on Guru Purnima: A look at some of his teachings and quotes

Guru Purnima, a day meant for paying an ode to teachers and mentors in India, is observed on the Purnima Tithi (full Moon night) in the month of Ashadha as per the Purnimant calendar. This year, Guru Purnima, which also marks the birth anniversary of sage Veda Vyasa, will be celebrated on July 5. Interestingly, Guru Purnima is also a significant day for followers of Buddhism. Read on to know why the festival is of great relevance to the Buddhists.

Gautama Buddha is believed to have given his first sermon at Sarnath after attaining enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. It is said that Lord Buddha travelled from Bodh Gaya to Sarnath five weeks after getting enlightened.

Buddha's five ascetic disciples, known asPanchavargika, had moved to ipatana (Rishipatana) in Sarnath even when Gautama Buddha was in Uruvilva (Bodh Gaya). After attaining enlightenment, Buddha marched towards Sarnath to give his first sermon to thePanchavargika. And since he delivered his first sermon,Dharmachakrapravartana Sutta, on the day of Ashadha Purnima, it is significant for the Buddhists.

Dharmachakrapravartana Suttaalso referred to as the wheel ofDharmaconsists of the following:

Four Noble truths- Dukkha (sufferings), Tanha (desire), Nirodha (renouncement) and Magga (the path to enlightenment)

Ariya Ahagika Magga- right view, right resolve, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right samadhi.

On Guru Purnima day, Buddhists perform the Uposatha, a spiritual ritual that results in the cleansing of the impure mind. They also pay ode to their Gurus on this auspicious day.

Lord Buddha, the founder of the Buddhist religion, was formerly known as Siddhartha Gautama. He was born to King Suddhodana of the aristocratic Shakya clan and his Queen Mayadevi in Lumbini on the Purnima Tithi (full Moon night) in the month of Vaishakh. Incidentally, it is also on the same day, many years later, that Siddhartha attained enlightenment while meditating under a Peepal (Banyan) tree to become Buddha.

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Interestingly, despite being born into a royal family with all the comforts and luxuries, Siddhartha chose to abandon mundane life. He stepped out of his palace in search of truth, and after performing penance for years, he attained knowledge that transcended the material world.

Here's wishing one and all a very happy Guru Purnima.

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Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon on Guru Purnima: A look at some of his teachings and quotes - Times Now