Lessons from the Enlightened: What We Can Learn From Buddha this Buddha Purnima

Buddham saranam gacchami 

Dhammam saranam gacchami 

Sangham saranam gacchami 

I take refuge in Buddha 

I take refuge in Dharma 

I take refuge in the Sangha. 

This familiar Pali mantra carries a sense of reverence, surrender, and purpose. Several monks and seekers recite this mantra since it forms the foundation of Buddhist practice. Even for those who don’t follow Buddhism or know much about it, these lines surely have a calming and centering power. It reflects the essence of what Buddha stood for: a path to peace, clarity and liberation. 

Where was Buddha Born?

Buddha was born as Siddhartha Gautama, a prince of the Shakya clan, around 6th century BCE in Lumbini, Nepal. He was protected from the harsh realities of the world and surrounded by opulence; he was raised in abundance and was destined to become a great king. However, a series of encounters such as sickness, old age, and death deeply moved him. He later witnessed the suffering that every human is bound to experience in the cycle of life. Determined to find a solution, he renounced his royal status and set off on a spiritual quest. After years of ascetic practice and meditation, he attained Nirvana in Bodh Gaya. From that moment, he was called the Buddha, the enlightened one.  

Following his enlightenment, the Buddha spent the next 45 years traveling and teaching, gathering followers from all walks of life, including kings, merchants, farmers, and monks. His teachings were simple yet profound and encouraged self-inquiry, discipline, and compassion. His message spread across Asia and influenced the cultural landscapes of Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tibet and Japan. Several schools, such as Theravada and Mahayana, emerged, and they interpreted his teachings in their own way.  

Buddha Purnima, also called Vesak, is the most sacred day for Buddhists. It commemorates three significant events in Buddha’s life-his birth, his enlightenment, and his passing into Mahaparinirvana. It is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Vaisakha and is observed with great joy across Buddhist communities. On this special day, devotees visit the temple, offer prayers, chant sutras, and light lamps and also engage in acts of kindness and charity. It’s a day that reminds us of how he dedicated his life to truth, simplicity, and compassion. 

While his teachings find relevance in the modern day, Buddha Purnima allows us to pause and reflect on the timeless lessons he has taught. Many of us have knowingly or unknowingly imbibed pieces of his wisdom in our lives, such as the importance of compassion, the power of letting go, and the importance of stillness and mindfulness. Today, in a world that is so fast-paced and chaotic, the teachings of Buddha still remain relevant.

What was the Buddha's philosophy?

There are many lessons we can learn from his life and philosophy. 

Compassion is strength 

The Buddha taught us the importance of karuna, or compassion. He taught us that compassion is not weakness, but it is powerful. Whether it is forgiving someone, showing kindness to a stranger, or simply being gentle with us, compassion has the power to heal.  

Suffering is not permanent 

Buddha spoke about how suffering is a natural and unavoidable part of human existence. We all go through loss, pain, and disappointment. But he showed us that suffering has a cause, and it can end. When we understand why we suffer, we can take steps to heal and find peace. 

Letting go brings peace 

Buddha states that attachment is the root cause of all suffering. We cling to relationships and have expectations, which leads us to frustration and pain. By practicing non-attachment, one can experience peace. 

Mindfulness gives us control 

The Buddha taught us that being aware of what we do, whether it is eating, walking, talking, or thinking, helps us live in control and be calm. Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment and being fully aware of it. When we practice mindfulness regularly, it can help us change how we handle life and also stay balanced. 

Be your own guide 

Another wonderful lesson that we can learn from the Buddha is to be our own guide. The Buddha said, be a lamp unto yourself. He believed that each person should think for themselves and learn from their own experiences. We don’t have to blindly follow others. We can find our own path by asking questions and making thoughtful choices. 

This Buddha Purnima, beyond the rituals and offerings, lies an invitation, a chance to reflect on our own path. Are we living mindfully? Are we caught up in attachments that drain our peace? Are we kind to ourselves and others? The answers may not come all at once, but as the Buddha taught, it begins with a single step. A step inward, a step toward awareness, a step toward choosing compassion over judgment, stillness over chaos and wisdom over reaction. 

As we celebrate this festival, we are reminded that the journey to peace doesn't require grand gestures, but it can start with a conscious, simple choice. His teachings offer us practical advice on how to navigate our struggles, doubts and hopes. Whether we follow his path closely or draw inspiration in our small ways, his message of compassion, awareness, and self-discovery continues through the noise of our modern life. This Buddha Purnima, let us not only remember the enlightened one but also awaken a little more light within ourselves.