Buddhism: holidays, traditions, customs. What are the religious traditions and holidays of Buddhism?

Dzul-khural

This is the name of the “holy rite”, which takes place in late autumn. Datsan temples are illuminated outside and inside with many candles, by the light of which believers, in front of the image of the gods, repent of all cases of mistreatment of domestic animals. Poor food, beatings, backbreaking work that make animals suffer are serious sins that supposedly cause a bad degeneration. After all, in every domestic animal, according to Lamaist ideas, a reincarnated deceased relative of a believer can live. Repentance should free the believer from guilt towards the dead. It is possible that in its origins the dzul-khural goes back to the Indian cult of “sacred” animals.

Naidani-khural

A ritual dedicated to hermits (naidans), elevated to the rank of deities. It also takes place in the fall. By hanging images of Naidans, emphasizing their decrepitude and indifference to everything around them, the lamas tell believers that the Naidans were once worldly people, but having gone into hermitage, they deserved “salvation.” Naidani Khural emphasizes the danger of any attachment to life, for this attachment leads to bad rebirths.

Obo is a ritual adopted by Lamaism from shamanism. Usually in Buryatia it is performed in the summer, before the start of haymaking. Near a heap of stones piled on the top of a hill, on a mountainside, on a pass, lamas and believers read prayers in which they ask for help from the spirits - the “masters of the area.” Sacrifice is left on the stones - food, coins, silk scarves (hadaks). They pray especially intensely near the Obo during a drought, since the lamas assure that the rain is sent by the “masters of the area.” During the obo, cattle are often slaughtered.

There are also obos dedicated to the deities of the Lamaist pantheon.

Usu tyayalgn

In the Kalmyk Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, a close-to-rite ritual, usu tyayalgn, is occasionally observed, i.e., sacrifice to the spirit - “the owner of the water.” To increase the fish catch, when there is a large gathering of members of the fishing artel, a kid goat is slaughtered on a specially constructed raft driven out to sea, whose blood flows into a cauldron with freshly boiled fish soup while reading spells.

Worship of "holy" places

In a number of places in Buryatia, Kalmykia and Tuva there are places declared “sacred” by lamas. Believers make pilgrimages to them. Particularly famous are Mount Alkhanay in the Aginsky Autonomous National Okrug of the Chita Region and Arshan in the Tunkinsky aimag of the BASSR. It is usually believed that springs (arsha-ns), as well as rocks and stones of unusual shape, provide magical healing assistance. So, on the slope of Alkhanaya there is a rock with a small hole through which pregnant women climb, believing that this will bring them a successful birth. People often seek help from infertility, chronic diseases, etc. from “holy” places.

Family altar

In every home of a Buryat, Kalmyk, or Tuvan believer, a low cabinet with a shelf in front of it is placed in a place of honor. Inside there are metal, clay, and wooden sculptural images of deities of the Buddhist pantheon (burkha-ny), small icons painted on canvas, silk or wood, and various “sacred” objects lie. On the shelf there are bronze cups for sacrifices, smoking candles, and flowers. The production of icons and figurines of deities was monopolized by the lamas and brought them large incomes.

Prayer

Prayers addressed to bodisat-va were usually simply mechanically memorized by believers, since their language (Tibetan) remained incomprehensible. In addition to prayers, believers had to memorize many spells (tarni) in order to protect themselves from the action of evil spirits and all kinds of misfortunes. Those who wished could keep a “record” of the spoken prayers and spells using special rosaries. Some especially pious believers collected these rosaries in a bag and gave them to the person traveling to worship the shrines of Tibet, so that the gods would learn more accurately about his – the believer’s – piety.

Along with this, Lamaism introduced a kind of “mechanization” of prayer. Prayer texts are placed in the so-called khurde - hollow, usually metal, cylinders. Cylinders come in a variety of sizes: diameter and height from a few centimeters to several meters. An axis is passed through the centers of the lid and bottom of the cylinder, around which the entire structure can rotate. It is believed that one revolution of the cylinder is equivalent to reading all the prayers and sacred texts contained in it.

Faith in talismans

Boo - a talisman - is worn by almost all Lamaists. It consists of a piece of paper or cloth on which are written the texts of prayers and spells - for long life, for protection from illness or violent death, etc. The folded text is covered with leather and worn on a cord around the neck. Considered more effective is a small statue of Buddha or part of the clothing of the “living god,” also worn around the neck in a wooden or silver case decorated with embossing. After the ceremony performed when naming a newborn, the lama ties paper talismans to the child’s neck, arms and legs, which should ward off illness and misfortune from the newborn.

Gurums and Abarals

Any event in the life of a lamaist forces him to seek advice from a lama-zurkhachin, that is, a fortuneteller-astrologer. The latter indicates to the believer what rituals and spells must be performed in order to successfully migrate to another place, when buying livestock or marrying off a daughter, during the illness and funeral of a relative, etc. The Indian calendar accepted in Buddhism plays a significant role in this. In it, the years are named by the names of the signs of the zodiac circle: mouse, bull, tiger, hare, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, chicken, dog, pig. These names are combined with one of the five “elements” - wood, fire, earth, iron, water. The result is sixty-year cycles, “starting from the year 1027 of our calendar. Now the 16th cycle is underway. It was this calendar, usually called the Japanese calendar, that formed the basis of some neo-mystical ideas that became widespread in recent years. Months are also called zodiac signs or simply serial numbers. The days of the week are named after the seven luminaries. Having calculated all the “data”, the lama astrologer draws up a horoscope for the newborn, in which, based on the qualitative features of the year of birth (“fire dragon”, “water hen”, etc.), day and month of birth, etc. ., “predicts” what and when a person entering the path of life should be wary of, what spells to cast, who he can marry, etc.

In less critical cases, they guess by looking at the cracks that form when a red-hot lamb shoulder is lowered into cold water, by dice (shoo), etc. When the “cause” of an illness, theft, or natural disaster has been “established,” a special exorcist lama (abaralchin, or gurum-chin) often performs a complex and expensive ritual—gurum, or abaral. Especially many gurums are associated with the idea of ​​​​evil spirits as the cause of human illness and death, loss of livestock, etc. One of the popular gurums is aminzolic, which previously, if appointed by a lama, was mandatory for believers, even if it led to complete ruin. The lama made a straw effigy in the yurt, dressing it in the patient’s best clothes. Then, through spells, he “drove” the evil spirits that caused the disease there, after which he took the stuffed animal to the steppe along with payment for the gurum. Gurum “zhaldoy” demanded the construction on a special table of images of people or animals sculpted from dough or clay to whom “help” should be provided. They are surrounded by a fence of sticks, sabers and arrows. Evil spirits were also driven here. During the Gurum "Ukhedel Darakha" lamas supposedly catch devils and can even defeat death.

Many rituals and superstitions are associated with the idea that happiness is something semi-material that can be “given” or “taken away” from a given home. To “maintain” happiness in the house when part of the property is removed from it (when selling livestock, milk), believers leave a particle of what was removed in the house - a tuft of sheep’s wool, a few drops of milk spilled on the floor.

Buddhism Thailand

1. Traditions of Buddhism. You need to dress appropriately

The legs and shoulders of a person who comes to the temple must be covered with clothes made of opaque fabric. Beachwear is also not acceptable for visiting the temple. And this is not surprising, because most religions have certain sets of rules to maintain decency and respect for the temple itself and its visitors. If a person suddenly finds himself in a temple in an inappropriate manner, then this will only indicate his bad manners.

2. Traditions of Buddhism. Shoes must be removed when entering the temple

Plays here important role caste of body parts in Buddhism. Feet are considered to be the dirtiest because they walk on the ground and come into contact with it. And when a person takes off his shoes, they become cleaner.

Traditions of Buddhism in Thailand

It also needs to be said that according to Buddhist traditions, people spend most of their time in the temple on the floor. Therefore, such an action is quite logical, even from a hygiene point of view, it is completely justified.

3. Traditions of Buddhism.

When you are located in the temple, sit down so that your feet are not directed towards the altar, or towards the images of saints and representatives of the clergy
This rule can also be called a logical continuation of the previous one. To avoid offending anyone in the temple, sit in the lotus position or with your legs tucked under you. The latter is quite acceptable in the temple.

4. Traditions of Buddhism. Is it allowed to take photographs in Buddhist temples?

Yes, you can take photographs in most places in the temple. And if you find yourself in a place of worship where this is not allowed, then you will definitely be notified about this. There are special signs in the temple that depict a crossed out camera. You need to focus on them. For example, you cannot take photos or videos in the hall of the Emerald Buddha.

You should behave carefully if you intend to take photos with temple servants or its visitors. Perhaps you will come across monks representing the southern sect of Buddhism on your way. Know that they are prohibited from touching members of the opposite sex.

5. Traditions of Buddhism. What remarkable things can you see in the temple?

Every Buddhist temple has an altar with an image of Buddha. His image is facing east. The main sculpture in the temple is always the largest. It is usually located in the center. In addition to her, there may be smaller sculptures in the temple. They most often depict periods of the saint's life.

Often the altar is decorated with sculptures of famous monks. They are located below the Buddha image. Near the altar there is a tray for candles. Near it stands an oil lamp from which you can light your candle. Also in the temple you can find urns with sand for smoking sticks, which are soaked in incense.

Buddhism Traditions of Buddhism in Thailand

Buddhism Thailand

For a nominal fee, visitors purchase offerings. These are usually candles, orchid or lotus flowers and incense sticks. At the temple, visitors sit on the floor, fold their hands in the “wai” gesture, which means greeting and respect, and then place flowers on the altar, light candles and incense. The set includes three sticks. The first is the symbol of Buddha, the second is the symbol of Dhamma, the third is the symbol of the Sangha (monastic community). After the offering ceremony is completed, visitors touch their foreheads to the floor three times, thus showing respect for the fundamental teachings of Buddhism.

Sometimes the set contains gold leaf plates. They are needed to decorate monk statues and Buddha sculptures. The attachment locations depend on your wishes.

Buddhism Traditions of Buddhism in Thailand

6. Traditions of Buddhism. What are Siamsi sticks?

Often people come to the temple not only for prayer. In some cases, they have questions that need specific answers. Siamsi sticks help parishioners with this. In general, Buddhism has a negative attitude towards all kinds of fortune-telling, but this tradition is firmly entrenched in the life of temples.

The sticks are placed on a special vessel. They are numbered from one to 28. The man wonders and carefully shakes the vessel until a stick falls out of it. When he finds out her number, he goes to the board, where sheets of text with the corresponding numbers are located. On these sheets you can find the answer to your question. Of course, the answers are allegorical. After reading the answer to his question, the visitor rolls up the leaf and ties it to a tree branch near the temple. This gesture is a request directed to heaven to change one's destiny.

There are no alcohol sales in Thailand on certain days

Yes, it is true that on certain days in all places of recreation, bars and shops there is a sign that says that there is no sale of alcohol on that day. The reason for this is religious holiday- Buddha's day. It's not a specific day Everyone calls it Buddha's day.

A little about Buddhist amulets

You've probably noticed that Thais - both children and adults - wear all kinds of amulets and amulets. This is almost identical to our crosses. Amulets protect Thais from troubles and illnesses. The monks themselves make the amulets, and they also sell them in temples and special stores. Anyone can purchase them.

Buddhism - About laces and bracelets on the hands of Thais

The oldest tradition is wearing woven bracelets. They are also worn as a talisman or to attract good luck. Thais think that the power that helps one to be healthy and prosperous can sometimes leave a person. And they are sure that bracelets help in this matter. When a certain ritual takes place, one bracelet is put on the right hand (to restore strength), and another one is put on the left hand (so that it does not disappear again).

Buddhism - Thais also believe that a string tied around the wrist brings good luck.

You can get a talisman of this kind in the temple. Rituals associated with the return of energy will be different for women and men. For men, strings are immediately tied on their hands, while for women they are placed in their palms.

Buddhism - On the meaning of flower garlands

These garlands are used to decorate the Buddha statue and other temple sculptures. There is also a belief that flower garlands can protect a home or vehicle from evil spirits, which is why they can often be seen in cars or homes. Apart from the statues, “Bothi” is decorated with garlands. This is the tree under which Buddha was able to achieve enlightenment. It is found in every Buddhist temple in Thailand.

Buddhism - About “money” trees near temples

Surely, having visited Thailand, the attention of every tourist was attracted by trees that had banknotes instead of leaves. Such trees are called money trees. Their trunk is made from banana grass. Knitting needles are inserted into it, to which money is attached. Money trees are placed in rooms where anyone can hang a bill on it. Often cotton wool is offered to the tree as a donation.

This tradition has been followed since ancient times. Monks were forbidden to take from their hands ordinary people gifts, so people hung things on trees in the forest, left food or pinned money to branches.

Buddhism - About cages with tropical birds and animals near temples

Buddhists are sure that for any good deed they will receive gratitude in next life, and for a bad one they will be punished. Naturally, giving freedom to an animal is also considered a good deed. For this purpose, animals are placed in cages near temples.

Buddhism - About “honorary” plaques near temples

Yes, near temples you can see boards with photographs of people with signatures of their names. Most often, such boards are found near churches in provincial cities. This list of people indicates whose financial assistance was directed towards the improvement of the temple.

Buddhism - About water containers in temples

This is, in fact, the same thing as holy water for Christians. A parallel can easily be drawn here. Such water is obtained by reading prayers (mantras) over it. They wash themselves with it, sprinkle visitors with it, treat it, and consecrate premises.

Buddhism - About vases and lotuses

In Buddhism The lotus is considered a sacred flower. Legend has it that lotuses grew where the newborn Buddha walked.

Moreover, the philosophy of Buddhists is perfectly reflected by the process and characteristics of the growth of this flower: the path of development of the soul from ignorance to perfection. So the lotus flowers themselves are born in the mud, but their stems reach through the water towards the sun on their way to the light, and the flower grows on the surface of the water, pure and perfect, under the rays of the heavenly body.

The souls of those people who have not yet achieved perfection and are at the beginning of their path are symbolized by the still unopened lotus. And the souls of people who have already achieved enlightenment are symbolized by a blossoming flower. That is why Buddha is always depicted sitting on an already blossoming lotus flower.

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Einstein called Buddhist teachings “the most scientific religion,” which is especially clearly manifested in the tradition of its holidays. Denying the existence of God as the supreme Creator, Buddhists deeply reverence the laws of nature and spiritual mentors. Following this principle, the main holidays of Buddhism are dedicated to Siddhartha Gautama Buddha.

Gautama, known as Prince Shakyamuni, lived in the 6th century BC. e. in northern India. Siddhartha was born in royal family. At the age of 29, he left the luxurious palace forever, going in search of the truth. Having become an ascetic, he wandered for a long time to discover the secret of getting rid of human suffering - illness, old age and death.

At the age of 35, during a long meditation under the sacred Bodhi tree, he achieved enlightenment and became known as Buddha, which translates from Sanskrit as ‘awakened one’. Buddha Gautama devoted the rest of his life to peacefully preaching his teachings.

Customs of Buddhist Celebrations

The philosophy of celebration differs in Buddhism from other religions in its essence. This is not a time of sumptuous meals and rest from righteous labors, but, first of all, intense spiritual work.

True Buddhists believe that karmic retribution increases in significant days a thousand times. The power of both good and negative thoughts increases at the same rate. Therefore this best moment for meditation and philosophical reflection. Religious unity during ceremonies is believed to promote enlightenment.

Another aspect characteristic of Buddhist holidays is in tune with the Christian tradition. We are talking about ritual cleanliness - moral and physical. On days of religious celebrations, Buddhists carefully clean their homes and monasteries. Such actions are not ordinary spring cleaning, but a special sacred rite. The cleansing process is accompanied by the singing of mantras and the extraction of musical sounds, which are designed to harmonize the surrounding space.

Other traditions include:

• visiting temples;
• participation in ritual ceremonies;
• donations of gifts to monasteries;
• offerings to monks and teachers;
• doing good deeds.

Time to celebrate

Religious holidays in Buddhism are celebrated according to lunar calendar. Their dates are calculated using special tables by astrologer lamas and change annually. Since ancient times, Buddhists believed that energy increases during the full moon, so many holidays fall on the full moon.

List of Buddhist holidays

• Vesak - Birthday, Enlightenment and Passage into Nirvana of Buddha;
• Buddhist New Year;
• Monlam - memory of 15 miracles performed by Buddha;
• Maidari-khural;
• Mystery TsAM;
• Turning the wheel of learning;
• Dalai Lama's birthday.

There are no strict regulations regarding which holidays in Buddhism must be celebrated strictly. Ritual preferences depend on the school (Mahayana, Theravada, Tantra) and on the historical traditions of individual countries.

The above list is far from complete. In particular, in Tibetan Buddhism, Dzul, unknown to other movements, is celebrated everywhere - the Day of Remembrance of the philosopher Tsonghawa.

Asola Perahara, the celebration of the Tooth Relic of Buddha is celebrated only by Theravada adherents in the only temple on the island of Sri Lanka where this amazing relic is kept. The lavish celebrations last two weeks and include processions with festively decorated elephants. On one of them, a casket with a sacred Tooth is carried around the city.

Main holidays of Buddhism

It is worth telling in more detail about the most significant dates in the Buddhist world. To the question “What is the most important holiday in Buddhism?” The answer can be unequivocal - Vesak. It symbolizes three sacred events at once: the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. According to legend, Gautama was born, gained the gift of enlightenment and went to Nirvana on the second full moon of the year. It usually falls on the last days of May.

Vesak celebrations last for a whole week. In monastic communities, special prayer services are served and magnificent ceremonies are held. Homes and temples are lovingly decorated with lanterns, fresh flowers and burning lamps, which symbolize the light of the Buddha's great compassion. People make pilgrimages, come to monasteries to meditate and listen to the stories of the monks. Agricultural work is prohibited these days as a sign of mercy to all earthly creatures, including livestock.

Saagalgan

New Year's Eve Buddhist tradition celebrated on the first new moon of spring. Due to differences in the chronology of different schools, the New Year in countries such as Mongolia, Tibet, Kalmykia is celebrated at different times.

On the eve of Saagalgan, respected astrologer lamas announce predictions for the next year. In monasteries, prayers are performed to revered deities. The most beloved goddess is Sri Devi. She patronizes the ancient Tibetan capital - Lhassa.

There is a belief here that Sri Devi inspects her possessions on New Year’s Eve to make sure that the residents are well prepared for her arrival. To earn the mercy of the goddess and secure her favor for the year ahead, it is recommended to stay up all night: pray in the temple or recite mantras at the home altar.

Traditionally, a festive feast should include dishes made from white foods. This period of the year is associated with the mass appearance of offspring in livestock. There is a lot of milk, hence the name Sagaalgan, which translates as ‘white month’.

Monlam

The Monlam prayer begins at the first dawn of the New Year and is recited for 15 days in a row. The holiday is dedicated to the memory of the fifteen miracles performed by the Buddha. The story goes that several monks left their former ascetic teachers to join the Buddha's followers. The monks who hated him began to publicly slander the Teacher, refuting his holiness.

The Buddha was indifferent to all ridicule, but his disciples begged him to demonstrate visible evidence of his power. In the Indian village of Shraswati, Buddha performed miraculous deeds for 15 days in a row, after which his fame spread throughout the world.

After the end of the solemn prayers, the monks take exams for higher rank. On the last day of the holiday, which always falls on a full moon, 15 figurines of ghee are made, depicting the miracles of Buddha. They are put on display in datsans.

Maidari-khural

This holiday is dedicated to the incarnation of Maitreya Buddha at the end of time. His reign is associated with a blessed era of prosperity and bliss, when people on earth will live 84 thousand years.

Many pilgrims flock to the monasteries at Maidari Khural. A sculpture of Maitreya Buddha is brought out from the temples and placed on a richly decorated chariot. Accompanied by numerous believers, the procession slowly circles the walls of the monastery in the direction of the sun. This event is reflected in the name of the festival - the Circulation of Maitreya.

The ceremony is often interrupted by the reading of sutras and ritual tea drinking, so it continues throughout the day. At the end, a table is set with plentiful treats, and gifts are brought to the monastic community.

Mystery TsAM

Some researchers believe that the roots of the TsAM ritual action should be sought in ancient shamanic rituals. It was introduced into the temple practice of northern Buddhism by the great teacher Padmasambhava (8th century). The mystery is especially widespread in Mongolian, Buryat, and Tibetan monasteries.

The ritual is a pantomime performed by lamas wearing fearsome masks of dokshits (guardians). The characters act out a ritual performance, dancing in a circle and gesturing with their hands. The mystery performed annually had several objectives:

• to frighten and distance evil spirits from followers of Buddhism;
• demonstrate the triumph of true doctrine;
• show the presence of a deity in the visible world;
• to prepare a person for the visions in the posthumous journey that accompany him on the path to rebirth.

The mission of performing Tsam is entrusted to monks who have received special initiation. For several days before the start of the mystery, they fast and plunge into deep meditation.

Turning the Wheel of the Teaching

The most important holiday in Buddhism, celebrated on the fourth day of the sixth lunar month. Marks the day of the first sermon of Buddha Shakyamuni in the Indian province of Sarnath. The first to hear the teaching from the mouth of the Buddha were five ascetics, who later became his devoted disciples.

The main event of the celebration is walking around the temple with a sculpture of Maitreya Buddha, which is accompanied by reading special sutras and playing ritual musical instruments. The spiritual purpose of the ceremony is to bring closer the reign of Buddha Maitreya.

Dalai Lama's Birthday

The list of Buddhist holidays would be incomplete without mention of the memorable date, the only one calculated according to the solar calendar. Every year on July 6, northern Buddhists celebrate the birthday of their exiled spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama. The fate of this amazing man is a living illustration of Buddhist teachings. He is considered the last physical incarnation of the Buddha of Compassion.

His predecessor left instructions on where to look for his rebirth. It was there that a search group of monks went after the death of the 13th Dalai Lama. Born into a poor peasant family, a 2-year-old boy, Tenzin Gyatso, was found using special signs that identify the new reincarnation of the Dalai Lama.

This was followed by a series of special tests, during which the boy had to find a thing that belonged to him in a past life. Having successfully passed the test, on February 22, 1940, he was enthroned as the Dalai Lama.

This is just a small part of the great collection of holidays and rituals that exist in Buddhism. Less significant celebrations are dedicated to deities, saints and patrons revered by individual schools, monasteries and communities.

It has a long history and many followers today. The beginning of this religion has its own romantic legend, which will be discussed in this article. Also in Buddhism there are a sufficient number of large and small holidays, the meaning of which differs significantly from traditional ones.

Buddhism is one of the world religions

Buddhism is considered one of the first historical religions (the other two are Christianity and Islam). However, if we 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 need to talk about God in the usual sense. He's just not here.

Some researchers are inclined to believe that Buddhism is very close to the world of science, since it has a thirst for knowledge of the laws of the surrounding world (nature, the human soul, the Universe). Moreover, according to the Buddhist tradition, it is believed that human life after the death of the body, it takes on another form, rather than disappearing into oblivion. This is very similar to the law about the conservation of matter in the world or its transition to another state of aggregation.

Since ancient times, this teaching, due to its breadth of views, has gathered many true thinkers, scientists various areas, outstanding doctors. This is what Buddhist monasteries were famous for, as well as for their books on scientific topics.

By the way, Buddhism also devotes its holidays to acquiring new knowledge through enlightenment (if anyone succeeds). Some of them are revealed through performances performed by monks (for example, the mystery of Tsam).

Gautama Buddha's childhood and adolescence

The birth and birth of the future founder of the world religion is shrouded in legends and mysticism. By origin, Buddha was an Indian prince whose name was Siddhartha Gautama. Its conception is mysterious and intriguing. The mother of the future enlightened one once had a dream about something entering her side. After some time, she discovered that she was pregnant, and nine months later she gave birth to a male baby. The boy was named Siddhartha, which translated means “who 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 died, he transferred all the unspent love to his son.

By the way, Buddha's birthday is a rather controversial date, which, however, is fixed today. Since Buddhism is based on the lunar calendar, the birth of the founder is considered to be the eighth day of the lunar month of Vesak. However, they still did not come to a compromise with the year of birth.

The sage Asita predicted a great future for the boy born, namely the accomplishment of a great religious feat. Of course, his father did not want this for him; he did not want his son to pursue a religious career. This is how he determined Gautama’s childhood and subsequent years. Although from birth he was prone to daydreams and daydreams, he was able to experience brief moments of enlightenment. From childhood, Buddha strove for solitude and deep contemplation.

However, the father was against all this. Having surrounded his son with luxury and all the blessings, marrying him to a beautiful girl, and also hiding from his eyes all the bad underbelly of this world (poverty, hunger, disease, etc.), he hoped that the sublimity would be forgotten, the anxious moods would be driven away. However, this did not lead to the expected result, and after some time the hidden became obvious.

According to legend, one day on the street he saw a funeral, a sick man and an ascetic. All this made an indelible impression on him. He realized that the world is not as he knows it and is full of suffering. That same night he left his home.

Hermitage and preaching of Buddha

The next period of the Buddha is the search for truth. On his way, he encountered many trials - from simple study of philosophical treatises to ascetic asceticism. However, nothing answered the questions. Only once, after he had renounced all false teachings and had thinned his soul with previous research, did insight come. What he had been waiting for for so long all these years happened. He saw not only his life in its true light, but also the lives of other people, all the connections between the material and the intangible. Now he knew...

From that moment on, he became Buddha, Enlightened One and saw the truth. Gautama preached his teachings for forty years, traveling between villages and cities. Death came to him at the age of eighty, after farewell words. This day is revered no less than the birthday of Buddha, as well as the moment when insight descended on him.

The formation of Buddhism as a religion

It should be noted that Buddhism itself very quickly spread throughout India, as well as Southeast and Central Asia, penetrated a little into Siberia and During its formation, several directions of this teaching appeared, some of them have a rational grain, others have a mystical grain.

One of the most important is the Mahayana tradition. Its 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 benefit.

This tradition also uses Sanskrit language for religious texts.

Another direction, which is quite large and was formed from Mahayana, is called Vajrayana. The second name is tantric Buddhism. The customs of Vajrayana Buddhism involve mystical practices that use powerful symbols to influence a person's subconscious. This allows you to use all resources to the fullest and contributes to the Buddhist’s advancement to the point of enlightenment. By the way, today elements of this trend are also present in some traditions as separate parts.

Another large and very widespread direction is Theravada. Today this is the only school that dates back to the first traditions. This teaching is based on the Pali Canon, which is compiled in the Pali language. It is believed that these are the scriptures (albeit in a distorted form, since for a long time they were transmitted orally) most truthfully 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, twenty-eight such enlightenments have already been counted. These Buddhas are also especially revered by followers of 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, there are many different traditions in Buddhism. For example, this religion has a special attitude towards marriage. No one is forcing anyone to do anything, but nevertheless there is no revelry and betrayal. In the Buddhist tradition there are some recommendations on how to make her happy and worthy. The founder of the doctrine gave only some recommendations that one should be faithful, not flirt and not kindle feelings in oneself not for one’s spouse. In addition, one should not be promiscuous or have sex outside of marriage.

However, there is nothing against if a person does not enter into family relationships, since this is everyone’s personal matter. It is believed that, if necessary, people can separate by mutual consent if it is no longer possible to live together. However, such a need is rare if the man and woman strictly follow the rules and He also advised not to marry those people who have a large age difference (for example, an elderly man and a young woman).

In principle, marriage in Buddhism is an opportunity for joint development and support for each other in everything. It is also an opportunity to avoid loneliness (if it is difficult to live with), fear and deprivation.

Buddhist monasteries and the way of life of monks

Followers of this teaching usually live in sangha communities that occupy a specific Buddha temple. Monks are not clergy in our usual understanding. They simply undergo training there, studying sacred texts, meditating. Almost anyone (both men and women) can become a member of such a community.

Each direction of teaching has its own set of rules, which monastic 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 becomes a follower of the Buddha must observe the rules and not deviate from them.

The meanings of holidays in Buddhism

If we talk about a religion like Buddhism, holidays here have special status. They are not celebrated the way we do. In Buddhism, a holiday is a special day that has more restrictions than permissions. According to their beliefs, on these days there is an increase of a thousand times in all mental and physical actions, as well as their consequences (both positive and negative). It is believed that observing all major dates allows one to comprehend the nature and essence of the teaching, and to come as close as possible to the Absolute.

The essence of celebration is to create purity around and within yourself. This can be achieved through special rituals of Buddhism, as well as repetition of mantras, playing musical instruments (the sounds they emit are important), and the use of certain religious objects. All this leads to the restoration of a person’s subtle structure, which significantly clears his consciousness. It is necessary to perform such an action as visiting a temple, and also make an offering to the Community, Teacher, and Buddhas.

Celebrating at home is not considered shameful in the Buddhist tradition, because the most important thing is the mood, as well as knowledge of why it is even needed. It is believed that every person, even without being in a crowd of the same celebrants, can, after appropriate adjustment, be included in the general field of celebration.

Buddhist Holidays: Visakha Puja

There are various Buddhist holidays, the list of which is quite large. Let's look at the most important of them. For example, one of such holidays for all Buddhists is Visakha Puja. It is a symbol of three events that occurred in the life of the founder of this teaching - birth, enlightenment and departure from life (to nirvana). Many schools of followers believe that all these events happened on the same day.

This holiday is celebrated on a grand scale. All temples are decorated with paper lanterns and flower garlands. Many oil lamps are placed on their territory. The monks read prayers and tell stories about Buddha to the laity. This holiday lasts for a week.

Buddhism Holidays: Asalha

If we talk about Buddhism, then this one can be considered one of them. He talks about the teaching, Dharma, that was brought to people, and with the help of which one could achieve enlightenment. 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 founding of the Sangha. The first in this community were those followers who followed the Buddha and carried out his instructions. This also means that three refuges have appeared in the world - Buddha, Dharma, Sangha.

This day is also the beginning of the retreat period for monks (vaso). However, this does not mean that you only need to abstain from food during this time. It’s just that the practice of the Sangha includes the point that it is permissible to eat only in the morning (from sunrise to noon).

Buddhist Festivals: Kathin

This day ends the Vaso period. Celebrated on the full moon in October. On this day, the laity presents a special robe for the bhikhi. The name of this person is called at the time when Katkhina is celebrated. After the end of this period (waso), the monks set out on the road again.

Thus, Buddhism holidays are quite diverse. This ends a certain period of celebration of religious important days, but there are many others.

Mystery Tsam

This is a very interesting annual festival that lasts several days. It is performed in the monasteries of Nepal, Tibet, Buryatia, Mongolia and Tuva. By the way, this mystery could be performed at completely different times - in winter and summer, and also have a completely different genre.

The performance could also be ambiguous. For example, one Buddha temple created a ritual dance, and another staged a play with dialogues that were read by several characters. And, finally, the third temple could generally stage a multi-component acting performance, where there was large number participants.

The meaning of this mystery is varied. For example, with the help of it it was possible to intimidate the enemies of the teaching, as well as demonstrate true teaching over false teaching. It was still possible to pacify the evil forces next year. Or simply prepare a person for the path that he takes after death to the next rebirth.

So, Buddhism holidays are not only of a religious nature, but also of a solemn and sublime nature.

Other Buddhist holidays

There are also other Buddhist holidays, which include:

• New Year;
• a day dedicated to the fifteen miracles of Buddha;
• Kalachakra festival;
• Maydari-khular;
• Loy Krathong;
• River Na and many others.

Thus, we see that there are the main holidays of Buddhism and others that are no less valuable and important, but are celebrated more modestly.

Conclusion

So, we see that this teaching is quite diverse both in terms of knowledge and holidays. The long history of Buddhism has undergone many changes throughout its history, which have transformed the religion itself. But its essence and the path of the person who passed it first and gave certain knowledge to his followers did not distort it.

All the numerous holiday dates in one way or another reflect the essence of the teaching. Their annual celebration gives followers hope and rethinking of their deeds. By participating in the general celebration, some come a little closer to the essence of Buddhism and become one step closer to the very enlightenment that the founder was awarded.

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