Buddha Purnima : Festival of the Month – May 2024

Astrological Significance of Buddha Purnima:

The sun was in the ferocious sign of Mars, the moon was in Libra, and the ascendant of Cancer made up Gautama Buddha’s birth horoscope. The important thing to note about his Kundli is that the five planets that aspect the moon—Sun, Saturn, Jupiter, Venus, and Mars—were truly responsible for his great mental faculties.

Gautama Buddha’s birth horoscope consisted of the sun in the fierce sign of Mars, the moon in Libra, and the ascendant of Cancer. The key finding of his Kundli is that He was genuinely endowed with exceptional mental abilities by the five planets that aspect the moon: Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and the Sun.

Planetary Position on Buddha Purnima:

1. Moon: Being a full moon day, the moon is at its brightest and most potent during Buddha Purnima. The full moon symbolises enlightenment, clarity, and illumination, reflecting the Buddha’s attainment of enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Emotionally, the full moon can heighten sensitivity and intuition, making it an auspicious time for introspection, meditation, and spiritual practices.

2. Sun: The Sun represents vitality, consciousness, and the higher self in astrology. Its alignment with the Moon during Buddha Purnima signifies a harmonious balance between the conscious mind (Sun) and the subconscious (Moon), facilitating spiritual awakening and self-realisation. The Sun’s energy amplifies the transformative effects of the full moon, illuminating the path towards enlightenment and inner peace.

3. Mercury: Mercury governs communication, intellect, and learning in astrology. Its influence on Buddha Purnima emphasises the importance of knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual teachings in the journey towards enlightenment. Mercury’s alignment with the Sun and Moon during this time can facilitate clear communication of spiritual truths and insights, inspiring seekers to deepen their understanding of the Dharma (Buddhist teachings).

4. Jupiter: Jupiter symbolises expansion, growth, and higher knowledge in astrology. Its benevolent influence on Buddha Purnima amplifies the auspiciousness of the day, bestowing blessings of wisdom, compassion, and spiritual guidance. Jupiter’s alignment with the luminaries enhances the potency of prayers, meditations, and acts of generosity performed on this sacred occasion, fostering spiritual growth and inner transformation.

5. Venus: Venus governs love, harmony, and beauty in astrology. While its influence may not be as prominent on Buddha Purnima, Venus’s alignment with the other planets enhances the atmosphere of peace, compassion, and loving-kindness associated with the festival. Venus’s energy inspires acts of generosity, compassion, and selfless service towards others, reflecting the core teachings of Buddhism.

Rituals of Buddha Purnima:

Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak, is celebrated with various rituals and observances that commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Gautama Buddha. Some common rituals observed on Buddha Purnima include:

1. Offerings: Devotees make offerings of flowers, candles, and incense at Buddhist temples and shrines as a symbol of reverence and gratitude towards the Buddha.

2. Prayers and Chanting: Special prayers, chants, and sutra recitations are performed throughout the day to honour the Buddha’s teachings and aspirations for world peace and enlightenment.

3. Dhamma Talks: Buddhist monks and scholars deliver sermons and discourses on the life, teachings, and philosophy of the Buddha, inspiring practitioners to cultivate wisdom, compassion, and mindfulness in their lives.

4. Meditation: Following the Buddha’s example of achieving enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree, practitioners practise meditation to develop inner calm, clarity, and insight.

5. Acts of Generosity: Buddhists engage in acts of charity, compassion, and kindness towards others, reflecting the Buddha’s teachings on the importance of generosity and altruism in alleviating suffering and fostering happiness.

One should follow the five principles, which are known as ‘Panchsheel’ on the day of Buddha Purnima, which are as follows:

• Not to Take Life
• Not to Rob
• Not to Lie
• Not to Consume Alcohol
• Not to Commit Infidelity

Effective Buddha Purnima Mantra:

It is highly beneficial to recite this wonderful Buddha Mantra between 4 and 7 AM: it represents wisdom and lessens one’s aggression.

‘Om Mani Padme Hum’

Meaning:

‘Om’ – it is a sacred symbol and the supreme element of nobility that controls one’s ego.
‘Ma’– signifies morals and purifies one’s jealousy.
‘Ni’– it represents patience that controls one’s desires.
‘Pad’– it represents dedication and purifies one’s ignorance.
‘Me’– it means renunciation and controlling one’s greed.
‘Hum’– It is a symbol of wisdom and decreases one’s aggressiveness.