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Buddhist Festivals
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Buddhists follow the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who was born in Nepal in about 563 BC. He was a prince who gave up all his wealth to live a simple life. He realised great truths about life and became known as 'Buddha', or the 'Enlightened One'. Buddha taught that selfishness and personal desire were the causes of human suffering. Buddhists, therefore, try to lead good lives by not causing suffering to others. They actively try to put others first.
Buddhist monks carried their faith throughout Asia. In many lands Buddhism became mixed with local traditions, and Buddhist festivals still vary greatly from one country to another. Tibetan Buddhists commemorate the religious reformer Tsong Khapa, who lived about 600 years ago, by lighting lamps of yak butter in every window. In Japan, children pour tea over a statue of Buddha, recalling a legend which says that it rained tea on the day Buddha was born. In some countries, caged birds are set free on Buddha's birthday (Wesak). Many Buddhists visit monasteries in July, during the festival of Dhammacakka to celebrate Buddha's first teachings. | | A Buddhist procession in Sri Lanka |
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Buddhist
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