The history of Buddhism has a long duration in time, as well as many followers to date. The beginning of this religion has its own romantic legend, which will be described in this article. Also in Buddhism there are a sufficient number of large and small holidays, the meaning of which is significantly different from traditional ones.
Buddhism is one of the world religions
Buddhism is considered one of the first historical religions (two more are Christianity and Islam). However, if you compare it with the other two, it turns out that the definition of a philosophical and religious system is more suitable for Buddhism, since there is no reason to talk about God in the usual sense. He is simply not here.
Some scholars are inclined to believe that Buddhism is very close to the world of science, since there is a thirst for knowing the laws of the surrounding world (nature, the human soul, the Universe) in it. In addition, according to the tradition of Buddhism, it is believed that human life after the death of the body takes a different form, and does not go into non-existence. This is very similar to the law on the conservation of matter in the world or its transition to another state of aggregation.
Since ancient times, this doctrine, due to its breadth of views, has gathered many true thinkers, scientists from various fields, and outstanding doctors. That is what Buddhist monasteries were famous for, and also with their books on scientific subjects.
By the way, Buddhism also devotes its holidays to gaining new knowledge through enlightenment (if anyone succeeds). Some of them are revealed through representations played by monks (for example, the mystery Tsam).
Children and adolescents of Gautama Buddha
The birth and birth of the future founder of world religion is shrouded in legends and mysticism. By origin, Buddha was an Indian prince, whose name was Siddhartha Gautama. His conception is mysterious and intriguing. The mother of the future enlightened one had a dream that a white elephant had entered her side . After some time, she discovered that she was pregnant, and after nine months she gave birth to a male baby. The boy was called Siddhartha, which means "fulfilled his destiny." The baby's mother could not stand the birth and died a couple of days later. This determined the feelings that the ruler, his father, had for Siddhartha. He loved his wife very much, and when she was gone, he transferred all unspent love to his son.
By the way, Buddha’s birthday is a rather controversial date, which, however, is fixed today. Since in Buddhism a countdown according to the lunar calendar is accepted, then the eighth day of the lunar month is considered to be the moment of the founder’s birth. However, with the year of birth, however, they did not come to a compromise.
A great future was foretold to the born boy as a sage Asita, namely the fulfillment of a great religious feat. Of course, his father did not want him this, he did not want his son to pursue a religious career. This is what he determined the childhood of Gautama and subsequent. Although from birth he was prone to dreams and dreams, he was able to sense brief moments of enlightenment. From childhood, the Buddha strove for solitude and deep contemplation.
However, the father was against all this. Surrounding his son with luxury and all the best, marrying him to a beautiful girl, and also hiding from his eyes all the bad side of this world (poverty, hunger, disease, etc.), he hoped that the hill was forgotten, anxious moods driven out. However, this did not lead to the expected result, and after a while the hidden became obvious.
According to legend, once on the street he saw a funeral, a patient and an ascetic. All this made an indelible impression on him. He realized that the world is not what he knows it, and is full of suffering. On the same night, he left his house.
The Hermit and Preaching of the Buddha
The next period of the Buddha is the search for truth. On his way, he met many trials - from a simple study of philosophical treatises to ascetic asceticism. However, nothing answered the questions. Only once, after he abandoned all false teachings, thinned his soul with previous searches, an insight came. What happened was what he had been waiting for all these years. He saw not only his life in the true light, but also the life of other people, all the connections between the material and the non-material. Now he knew ...
From that moment on, he became a Buddha, Enlightened and seeing the truth. Gautama preached his doctrine for forty years, traveling between villages and cities. Death came to him at the age of eighty, after parting words. This day is revered no less than the birthday of the Buddha, as well as the moment when enlightenment descended on him.
The formation of Buddhism as a religion
It should be noted that Buddhism itself spread very quickly throughout India, as well as Southeast and Central Asia, slightly penetrated into Siberia and Central Asia. During its formation, several areas of this teaching appeared, some of them carry a rational kernel, others - a mystical one.
One of the most important is the Mahayana tradition. Her followers believe that it is very important to maintain a compassionate attitude towards other living beings. In their opinion, the meaning of spiritual enlightenment is to achieve it, and then continue to live in this world for its good.
Also in this tradition is the Sanskrit language for religious texts.
Another direction, which is quite large and was formed from the Mahayana, is called Vajrayana. The second name is Tantric Buddhism. The customs of Vajrayana Buddhism are connected by mystical practices, where powerful symbols are used in order to influence the subconscious of a person. This allows you to use all the resources in full and helps to advance the Buddhist to the point of enlightenment. By the way, today the elements of this direction are present in some traditions as separate parts.
Another large and very common area is Theravada. Today it is the only school that dates back to the first traditions. This teaching is based on the Pali canon, which is composed in the Pali language. It is believed that these scriptures (albeit in a distorted form, since they have been transmitted orally for a long time) most faithfully convey the words of the Buddha. This teaching also believes that enlightenment can be achieved by the most devoted follower. Thus, in the entire history of Buddhism, there are already twenty-eight such enlightenments. These Buddhas are also especially revered by those professing this religion.
However, it should be noted that the main dates of the holidays coincide in almost all traditions.
Some traditions of this teaching (family and others)
So, among other things, in Buddhism there are many different traditions. For example, the attitude to marriage in this religion is special. Nobody forces anyone to anything, but nevertheless there is no revelry and betrayal. In the Buddhist tradition of family life, there are some recommendations on how to make her happy and worthy. The founder of the teaching gave only some recommendations that you should be faithful, do not flirt and do not stir up feelings in yourself not for your spouse. In addition, should not be promiscuous and have sex outside of marriage.
However, there is nothing against it if a person does not enter into family relations, since this is a personal matter for everyone. It is believed that, if necessary, people can disperse by mutual agreement, if it is already impossible to live together. However, such a need is rare if a man and woman will strictly follow the rules and commandments of the Buddha. He also advised not to marry those people who have a big age difference (for example, an old man and a young woman).
In principle, matrimony in Buddhism is an opportunity for joint development, support in each other in everything. It is also an opportunity to avoid loneliness (if it is difficult to live with it), fear and deprivation.
Buddhist monasteries and monks lifestyle
Followers of this teaching usually live in sangha communities that occupy a particular Buddha temple. Monks are not priests in our usual sense. They just go through training there, studying sacred texts, meditating. Almost any person (both man and woman) can become a member of such a community.
Each area of study has its own set of rules that religious followers must strictly observe. Some of them prohibit eating meat, some prescribe agricultural activities, and others prohibit interfering in social and political life (monks live from alms).
Thus, one who has become a follower of the Buddha must abide by the rules and not depart from them.
The meaning of the holidays in Buddhism
If we talk about a religion such as Buddhism, holidays here have a special status. They are not marked as it happens with us. In Buddhism, a holiday is a special day that has more restrictions than permissions. According to their beliefs, these days there is a thousandfold increase in all mental and physical acts, as well as their consequences (as well as positive and negative). It is believed that observance of all major dates allows one to comprehend the nature and essence of the teaching, to approach the Absolute as close as possible.
The essence of the celebration is to create cleanliness around yourself and in yourself. This can be achieved through special rituals of Buddhism, as well as the repetition of mantras, playing musical instruments (the sounds they play are important), and the use of certain cult objects. All this leads to the fact that a person restores a fine structure, which significantly cleanses his consciousness. On a holiday, it is necessary to perform an action such as visiting a temple, as well as making an offering to the Community, Teacher, and Buddhas.
Celebrating the home is not considered shameful in the Buddhist tradition, because the most important thing is the mood, as well as the knowledge of why this is necessary at all. It is believed that each person, even not being in the crowd of the same celebrants, can, after appropriate adjustment, join the general field of celebration.
Buddhism Holidays: Visakha Puja
There are various holidays of Buddhism, the list of which is quite large. Consider the most important of them. For example, one of these holidays for all Buddhists is Visakha Puja. He is the symbol of three events that occurred in the life of the founder of this doctrine, - birth, enlightenment and passing away from life (into nirvana). Many follower schools believe that all these events happened on the same day.
Celebrate this holiday in a big way. All temples are decorated with paper lanterns and flower garlands. On their territory put a lot of icon lamps with oil. Monks recite prayers and tell stories about Buddha to the laity. This holiday lasts a week.
Buddhism Holidays: Asalha
If we talk about the religious holidays of Buddhism, then this one can be attributed to them. He speaks of that teaching, the Dharma, which was brought to people, and with which enlightenment could be achieved. The celebration of this event takes place in July (Asalha), on the day of the full moon.
It is worth noting that this day, among other things, also indicates the foundation of the Sangha. The first in this community were those followers who followed the Buddha and followed his instructions. This also means that three shelters have appeared in the world - Buddha, Dharma, Sangha.
This day is also the beginning of a period of retreat for the monks (Vaso). However, this does not mean that at this time you only need to refrain from food. It’s just that the Sangha’s practice includes the moment that eating is allowed only in the morning (from sunrise to noon).
Buddhism Holidays: Kathina
This day completes the waso period. Celebrated on the full moon in October. On this day, the laity is presented with a special robe for the bhikkhus. The name of this person is called at the time when Kathina is celebrated. After the end of this period (Vaso), the monks set off again.
Therefore, Buddhism holidays is quite diverse. This ends a certain period of the celebration of religious important days, but there are many others.
Mystery Tsam
This is a very interesting annual festival that lasts several days. Perform it in the monasteries of Nepal, Tibet, Buryatia, Mongolia and Tuva. By the way, this mystery could be fulfilled at completely different times - in winter and summer, and also have a completely different genre.
The performance could also be ambiguous. For example, one temple of the Buddha created a ritual dance, and another staged a play with dialogues that were read by several characters. And finally, the third temple in general could deliver a multi-component acting performance, where there were a large number of participants.
The meaning of this mystery is diverse. For example, with the help of it it was possible to frighten the enemies of the doctrine, and also demonstrate the true doctrine over false doctrine. Still it was possible to pacify evil forces the next year. Or just prepare a person for the path that he takes after death for the next rebirth.
So, Buddhism holidays is not only of a religious nature, but also solemn, as well as exalted.
Other holidays of Buddhism
There are also other Buddhist holidays, which include:
- New Year;
- a day dedicated to the fifteen wonders of the Buddha;
- feast of Kalachakra;
- Maidari Hular;
- Loy Kratong;
- Rivers On and many others.
Thus, we see that there are the main holidays of Buddhism and others that are no less valuable and important, but more modestly celebrated.
Conclusion
So, we see that this teaching is quite diverse in terms of knowledge and holidays. The long history of Buddhism in its entire time has undergone many changes that have transformed religion itself. But they did not distort its essence and the path of the person who passed him first and gave certain knowledge to his followers.
All the numerous dates of the holidays in one way or another reflect the essence of the doctrine. Their annual celebration gives hope and rethinking of their actions among followers. Participating in the general celebration, some are a little closer to the essence of Buddhism and become one step closer to the very enlightenment that the founder was awarded.