By — Dilip Guha
Among the ten principal incarnations of God, Lord Buddha is considered the ninth. According to Hinduism, whenever unrighteousness and ignorance increase on Earth, God incarnates for the welfare of humanity. The primary purpose of the Buddha’s incarnation was to guide people on the path of non-violence, compassion, kindness, and truth. At that time, society was witnessing a rise in superstition, rigid sacrificial rituals, and violence. In opposition to these, Buddha preached a simple and practical religion. He emphasized that true religion lies not in external rituals but in purity of mind and righteous conduct.
The exact date of birth and death of Gautam Buddha is unknown, but it is believed that he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree at Bodh Gaya and taught Dharma at Sarnath. Buddhists visit these pilgrimage sites, especially Bodh Gaya, to offer prayers. They celebrate the day by reciting Lord Buddha’s teachings and spreading his message.
On May 1st, 2026, at Maha Bodhi Temple, Mandir Marg, near Shri Laxmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir), Gole Market, New Delhi, 110001, Devotees celebrated the 2570th birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha with a day-long observance, beginning with the observance of eight precepts and puja. In the evening, a Dhamma Sabha was also organized to discuss Buddha’s message to mankind. A discourse on the topic of Buddhism, peace, and the perfection of day-to-day life was organised in the evening. The Ramakrishna Mission of Delhi also celebrated Buddha Purnima in a befitting manner. Included the recitation of stotras, devotional songs, and a lecture focused on the teachings of Buddha.
In the discourse, Swami Vivekananda’s thoughts were mentioned, stating that he regarded Buddha as the greatest spiritual personality in human history. The Buddha’s life is an unparalleled example of fearlessness, compassion, service, and renunciation, conveying to all humanity the message of peace, tolerance, and the Middle Path.
Referring to episodes from Lord Buddha’s life, it was explained how Prince Siddhartha, upon witnessing suffering, old age, disease, and death, embraced renunciation and set out in search of truth. After years of rigorous austerity, under the Bodhi Tree at Bodh Gaya, he attained enlightenment and came to be known as the “Buddha.” Thereafter, through his teachings, he showed humanity the path to liberation from suffering.
On this occasion, the Secretary of the Mission, Swami Sarvalokananda Maharaj, in his inspiring discourse, gave a detailed explanation of the life and teachings of Lord Gautama Buddha. He said that Buddha Purnima, also known as Vaishakh Purnima, is an immensely significant and sacred occasion in human life. The life of Lord Buddha presents a unique example of renunciation, compassion, truth, and self-realization.
In his main discourse, Maharaj stated that “Buddha” is not a proper name but a state of consciousness—a state in which a person attains complete knowledge, compassion, and awakening. He emphasized that the life of Lord Buddha is an unparalleled source of inspiration for humanity, urging us toward self-reflection, self-restraint, and the pursuit of truth.
Swamiji explained the Four Noble Truths of Buddha—suffering, the cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path to liberation—stating that these principles are as relevant today as they were in ancient times. He said that the solution to the problems of human life does not lie in external means but in inner awareness and spiritual practice. He further added that the incarnation of Lord Buddha was meant to awaken the dormant divinity within human beings. “God assumes human form so that man too may develop divinity within himself,” he said. He also pointed out that in Indian tradition, Lord Buddha is revered as the ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
“It is a time for reflection on the teachings of compassion, peace, and non-attachment that Buddha imparted. Celebrations include prayer, meditation, and acts of charity, reflecting the profound impact of Buddha’s teachings on millions of lives worldwide. This auspicious occasion is marked by various religious and cultural events, highlighting the enduring legacy of one of the world’s most revered spiritual figures.”
“Furthermore, the practice of visiting a monastery or temple to perform certain ceremonies underscores the importance of sacred spaces in Buddhism. These places serve as sanctuaries for reflection, meditation, and connection with the divine. They are not just architectural structures but are considered embodiments of the Buddhist path itself,” said one devotee, explaining the customs followed by devotees.
The teachings of Buddha are preserved in various texts across different languages. Among them, the Tripitaka holds a special place. It is divided into three parts—Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka. These contain Buddha’s teachings, rules for his followers, and profound philosophical ideas. Originally written in the Pali language, these texts were later translated into Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese, Japanese, and other languages, helping spread Buddha’s message across the world.
According to the Puranas, Lord Buddha (the Buddha incarnation) was born with a special purpose, mainly related to the protection of dharma (righteousness) and guiding society on the right path. The Puranas describe that whenever unrighteousness, violence, and ignorance increase in the world, God takes various incarnations to restore balance. The main objective of the Buddha’s incarnation was to teach people the path of non-violence, compassion, and truth. At that time, some people had begun misinterpreting the Vedas and sacrificial rituals, leading to excessive animal sacrifice and violence. In such a situation, God incarnated as Buddha to oppose these practices and explain that true religion lies in love, compassion, and self-discipline. According to some Puranas, another purpose of the Buddha incarnation was to divert demons and evil-minded individuals away from the Vedic path so that they would lose their power, thereby maintaining balance among the gods. From this perspective, Buddha gave teachings that would delude them, thus protecting dharma.
In conclusion, the Buddha’s teachings serve as a profound inspiration for humanity. He taught that true happiness is found not in external possessions but in inner peace and self-realization. His message of peace, love, and harmony continues to resonate worldwide, guiding people in the right direction in their lives.
