THE CIRCULATION OF MAITREYA In the middle of the second summer moon, the temple festival of the Circulation of Maitreya is held. Maitreya - Buddha of the coming world period. This is the name in Buddhism for the period of time that will come after the end of the period of “rule of our world by Buddha Shakyamuni.” On the day of this holiday, a sculptural image of Maitreya is taken out of the temple, placed under a canopy on a chariot, to which again a sculptural image of a green horse is harnessed. Surrounded by crowds of believers, the chariot slowly makes a circuit around the monastery grounds, moving in the direction of the sun. Crowds of devotees on both sides of the road move along with the procession, periodically kneeling before the statue of Maitreya. One group of monks drives the chariot, others walk in front or behind it, reciting prayers. The service lasts all day.
MYSTERY TsAM (CHAM) The Mystery of Tsam (Cham) was performed annually in Buddhist monasteries in Tibet, Nepal, Mongolia, Buryatia, and Tuva. It was introduced into the practice of temple rituals of Tibetan schools of Buddhism by the great magician and teacher Padmasambhava (8th century). Even within the same country, this mystery could be performed on different calendar dates - in some in winter, in others in summer, and be of different genres. In some cases it was a dance pantomime, in others it was a play with dialogues, involving 4-5 characters; finally, it could be a grandiose theatrical performance with 108 participants (108 is a sacred number in Buddhism), who are in costumes and masks that are quite heavy by weight (one mask could weigh up to 30 kg), they played an action, the heroes of which were characters from the pantheon of Tibetan Buddhism and characters from folk mythology (in Tibet - Tibetan, in Mongolia and Buryatia - Tibetan and Mongolian). The fulfillment of the mystery pursued several goals at once, and in different monasteries the emphasis was placed on different things: intimidating the enemies of Buddhism, demonstrating the triumph of the true teaching over all false teachings, a way to pacify evil forces so that the coming year would be prosperous, preparing a person for what he will see after death on path to a new rebirth. Tsam was performed by specially trained monks who had undergone initiation; A few days before the holiday, they were supposed to spend several hours in a state of deep meditation. There couldn't be any random people among the actors. Each monastery had costumes and masks, carefully preserving them from one performance to another. When any of them became unusable, they were replaced with careful observance of the necessary rituals. Among Buddhists in Mongolia and Russia, the last performances of Tsam were recorded in the late 20s of the 20th century. The ongoing processes of the revival of Buddhism in both countries also include the revival of Tsam, but this is a long and difficult task.
DUINHOR In the monasteries of the northern branch of Buddhism, which combines the features of Mahayana and Vajrayana, two more holidays are celebrated, unknown to other directions of Buddhism: Duinhor and Dzul. The first of them is celebrated in May and is associated with the beginning of the Kalachakra sermon - one of the important components of Vajrayana philosophy. Kalachakra - literally "wheel of time", one of the most esoteric concepts of Buddhist tantra. The time of its formation is considered to be the 10th century, the place is the mythical country of Shambhala. On the holiday, those who understand the philosophical depths of Buddhism gather in the temple.
DZUL Dzul is a holiday dedicated to the memory (the day of passing into nirvana) of the founder of the Tibetan Gelug school - the reformer and philosopher Tsonghawa. It is also called the Festival of Lamps, because... On this day, with the onset of darkness, thousands of oil lamps are lit inside and outside the monasteries. They are extinguished at dawn. Monks read prayers, lay believers make offerings to the temple with money, food, and things. It is celebrated annually on December 25th.
THE Descent OF THE BUDDHA FROM THE HEAVEN TO THE EARTH One of the common Buddhist holidays is the Descent of Buddha from Tushita heaven to earth. When it takes place: end of October - November. The essence of the holiday is as follows. Living in the guise of a bodhisattva in the Tushita sky (the 9th level of the Buddhist cosmos, where all bodhisattvas live before becoming Buddhas), Shakyamuni Buddha realized that it was time for him to make his last rebirth among people on earth. He chose the ruler of the Shakya people, Shuddhodana, and his wife Maya as his earthly parents. In the guise of a white elephant (one of the sacred images of Buddhism), he entered the side of his future mother and was born a prince. After 29 years of happy life in the palace, he went in search of truth, at the age of 35 he discovered it for himself, sitting under a bodhi tree, and became Enlightened, i.e. Buddha, and began to preach his teachings. The decision of the Buddha to find his last earthly birth and open the “path of the Buddha” to everyone is the main idea of this holiday.
HOLIDAY IN HONOR OF THE TOOTH OF BUDDHA And finally, another holiday celebrated only by followers of Theravada - the southern and earliest branch of Buddhism - is the holiday in honor of the Tooth Relic. It is held in only one place - on the island of Sri Lanka, in the city of Kandy in the Dalada Maligawa temple, where this main relic of Buddhism is kept. The holiday lasts two weeks (times: late July - early August), it includes temple services, ceremonial processions with elephants, one of which carries a casket with a Tooth, processions of musicians, dancers, and singers. Once upon a time, the participation of the ruler of the Kandyan kingdom was considered mandatory, because. ownership of the relic gave the right to occupy the throne of this state. Now the same functions are performed by the head of the local administration.
The legend that formed the basis of the holiday is as follows. At the time of the cremation of the earthly body of the Buddha, one of its participants snatched his tooth from the funeral pyre. For eight centuries it was kept in India, but in the 4th century, due to the internecine wars that began in India, they decided to take the tooth to a safe place - to the island of Sri Lanka. There, a temple was built in his honor and, as local legends say, it has been kept here ever since, and a holiday in his honor is held annually. Data from historical chronicles contradict this statement; in particular, one of them claims that in the 16th century. The Buddha tooth was captured by the Portuguese, fell into the hands of Catholic fanatics and was publicly burned, and that a fake is kept in Kandy. However, for any religion, myth is more important than historical reality. Therefore, as before, every year at the end of July, tens of thousands of people, believers and tourists, come to the city of Kandy to look at this amazing relic - the only material evidence that Buddha once lived on earth.
Of course, this is not a complete list of Buddhist holidays. There are a lot of them: every country and every temple has its own, but those listed here can perhaps be considered the most important.
- According to the Buddhist calendar, on the 8th, 15th and 30th of each lunar month, the consequences of good and bad deeds increase 100 times.
Buddhist holidays are events full of kindness and joy. Every year, Buddhists around the world celebrate many holidays and organize festivals, most of which are associated with important events in the life of the Buddha or various bodhisattvas. Holiday dates are set according to the lunar calendar and may not coincide in different countries and traditions. As a rule, on the day of the festival, lay people go to the local Buddhist temple to offer food and other items to the monks in the early morning, as well as listen to moral instructions. Daytime may be spent helping the poor, walking around a temple or stupa to honor the Three Jewels, reciting mantras and meditation. The most important Buddhist holidays are briefly described below.
In different parts of the world this holiday falls on different dates. In Theravada countries (Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Laos), New Year is celebrated on the full moon day of April and is celebrated for three days. In the Mahayana tradition, the New Year usually begins on the first full moon of January, and the majority of Tibetan Buddhists celebrate it in March. In South Asian countries, it is customary to throw water on each other on this day.
Holidays in the Theravada Tradition - Vesak (Buddha Day)
Some Buddhist holidays are of particular significance and are celebrated on a grand scale, for example, Vesak - Buddha's Day. On the full moon of May, Buddhists around the world celebrate the birthday, enlightenment and passing away of Buddha (except during leap years, when the holiday falls in early June). The word "Vesak" is used according to the name of the month in the Indian calendar.
Magha Puja (Sangha Day)
Magha Puja is celebrated on the full moon of the third lunar month and may fall in February or March. This sacred day serves as a reminder of an important event in the life of the Buddha, which occurred during the early period of his activity as a teacher. After the first retreat during the rainy season, the Buddha went to the city of Rajagaha. Here, without prior agreement, 1,250 arhats (enlightened students) returned after their wanderings to pay respects to the teacher. They gathered at the Veruvana monastery along with two of the Buddha's senior disciples - the venerable Sariputra and Moggalana.
Buddhist holidays in the Mahayana tradition - Ulambana (Day of Ancestors)
Mahayana followers celebrate this holiday from the beginning of the eighth lunar month to its fifteenth lunar day. It is believed that the gates of Hell open on the first day of this month and spirits can move into the human world within two weeks. Offerings of food made during this period can alleviate the suffering of ghosts. On the fifteenth day, Ulambanu, people visit cemeteries to make offerings to their deceased ancestors. Some Theravadins from Cambodia, Laos and Thailand also celebrate this annual event. Japanese Buddhists have a similar holiday called Obon, which begins on July 13, lasts 3 days and is dedicated to the birth of departed family ancestors in new bodies.
Avalokiteshvara's birthday
This holiday is dedicated to the bodhisattva ideal embodied by Avalokiteshvara, who personifies perfect compassion in the Mahayana tradition of Tibet and China. The holiday falls on the full moon of March.
Bodhi Day (Day of Enlightenment)
On this day it is customary to celebrate the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha. Typically, Buddhists celebrate this important holiday on the eighth of December by reciting mantras, sutras, meditating and listening to teachings.
There are other Buddhist holidays that have different scales and their own unique specifics. They can take place annually or have a more frequent frequency.
Buddhist holidays are events full of kindness and joy. Every year, Buddhists around the world celebrate many holidays and organize festivals, most of which are associated with important events in the life of the Buddha or various bodhisattvas. Holiday dates are set according to the lunar calendar and may not coincide in different countries and traditions. As a rule, on the day of the festival, lay people go to the local Buddhist temple to offer food and other items to the monks in the early morning, as well as listen to moral instructions. Daytime may be spent helping the poor, walking around a temple or stupa to honor the Three Jewels, reciting mantras and meditation. The most important Buddhist holidays are briefly described below.
Buddhist New Year
In different parts of the world this holiday falls on different dates. In Theravada countries (Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Laos) it is celebrated on the full moon day of April and is celebrated for three days. In the Mahayana tradition, the New Year usually begins on the first full moon of January, and the majority of Tibetan Buddhists celebrate it in March. In countries on this day it is customary to pour water on each other.
Holidays in the Theravada Tradition - Vesak (Buddha Day)
Some Buddhist holidays are of particular significance and are celebrated on a grand scale, for example, Vesak - Buddha's Day. On the full moon of May, Buddhists around the world celebrate the birthday, enlightenment and passing away of Buddha (except when the holiday falls in early June). The word "Vesak" is used according to the name of the month in the Indian calendar.
Magha Puja (Sangha Day)
Magha Puja is celebrated on the full moon of the third lunar month and may fall in February or March. This sacred day serves as a reminder of an important event in the life of the Buddha, which occurred during the early period of his activity as a teacher. After the first retreat during the rainy season, the Buddha went to the city of Rajagaha. Here, without prior agreement, 1,250 arhats (enlightened students) returned after their wanderings to pay respects to the teacher. They gathered at the Veruvana monastery along with two of the Buddha's senior disciples - the venerable Sariputra and Moggalana.
Buddhist holidays in the Mahayana tradition - Ulambana (Day of Ancestors)
Mahayana followers celebrate this holiday from the beginning of the eighth lunar month to its fifteenth lunar day. It is believed that the gates of Hell open on the first day of this month and spirits can move into the human world within two weeks. Offerings of food made during this period can alleviate the suffering of ghosts. On the fifteenth day, Ulambanu, people visit cemeteries to make offerings to their deceased ancestors. Some Theravadins from Cambodia, Laos and Thailand also celebrate this annual event. Japanese Buddhists have a similar holiday called Obon, which begins on July 13, lasts 3 days and is dedicated to the birth of departed family ancestors in new bodies.
Avalokiteshvara's birthday
This holiday is dedicated to the bodhisattva ideal embodied by Avalokiteshvara, who personifies perfect compassion in the Mahayana tradition of Tibet and China. The holiday falls on the full moon of March.
Bodhi Day (Day of Enlightenment)
On this day it is customary to celebrate the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha. Typically, Buddhists celebrate this important holiday on the eighth of December by reciting mantras, sutras, meditating and listening to teachings.
There are other Buddhist holidays that have different scales and their own unique specifics. They can take place annually or have a more frequent frequency.
Bodhi Day is a Buddhist holiday, traditionally celebrated on the 8th day of the 12th lunar month according to the Chinese calendar. The Bodhi tree is considered the most sacred tree in the world. This is the tree under which Buddha meditated.
According to legend, at the age of 35 (564 BC), after 6 years of asceticism in a cave in the upper reaches of the Falgu River, a tributary of the Ganges, Siddhartha Gautama reached extreme exhaustion. It became clear that excessive fasting did not lead to anything other than clouding of consciousness. Wanting to drink from the river, the exhausted ascetic fell into it. Only shallow water saved him from death - in the heat the river was almost dry. The current carried Gautama to the shore near the town of Gaya. Here he was discovered by a local peasant woman, Sujanta.
Taking pity on Gautama, she brought him food. After eating, Siddhartha settled down under a large banyan tree growing on the bank of Falgu. After taking his bath, the former prince filled the earthen pot in which Sujantha had brought him food with water and threw it into the river. However, the pot did not sink, which Siddhartha regarded as a good omen. So, he decided to sit under a banyan tree and not get up until he achieved an understanding of the true order of things. The demon Mara appeared to Buddha. To bring the ascetic out of the state of meditation, he sent a storm, an earthquake and clouds of insects.
But he remained adamant. Then Mara, remembering the prince’s cheerful youth, sent his daughters to him. But Buddha found the strength to read them a short sermon about the meaninglessness of indulging passions. After this, the demons despaired of stopping him. On the 49th day, Siddhartha comprehended the structure of the universe and became Enlightened. At this moment Mara appeared again and demanded proof of the great event. To this, the seated Buddha touched the ground with his right hand, and she replied: “I testify to this.”
The Bodhi Tree (Bo), or "Tree of Enlightenment" as the Indians call it, is the banyan tree (Indian fig tree), or Ficus religiosa, in Latin. Below him was Buddha at the moment of enlightenment. True, this is not exactly that tree, but its great-great-grandson. The first to encroach on the sacred relic was Ashoka himself, who originally professed Hinduism. The king wanted to burn it in a ritual fire, but the tree did not catch fire. Instead, it began to glow. The king's repentance and conversion to Buddhism followed so quickly that he managed to save the shrine by soaking the roots in water and milk. Later, Ashoka had to save Bo from his own wife, who was hostile to the new religion.
He was forced to build a 3-meter wall around the shrine. But the princess of Ceylon Sanghamitta, on the contrary, was so inclined towards Buddhism that she specially came to Ashoka in order to take with her a scion of the sacred tree and plant it in the garden of Anuradhapura. The tree that grew from it has survived to this day. According to scientists, its age is 2150 years. It was thanks to him that Indian Buddhists managed to resurrect the main relic of Bodhgaya more than once.
The history of Buddhism has a long span of time, as well as 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 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). In addition, according to the tradition of Buddhism, it is believed that human life after the death of the body takes on a different form and does not go 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 attracted many true thinkers, scientists in various fields, and 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 that a white elephant entered her side. After some time, she discovered that she was pregnant, and nine months later she gave birth to a male child. The boy was named Siddhartha, which 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, illness, 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 spread very quickly throughout India, as well as Southeast and Central Asia, and slightly penetrated into Siberia and Central Asia. 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 these scriptures (albeit in a distorted form, since they were transmitted orally for a long time) that are believed to 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 of family life, there are some recommendations on how to make it 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 commandments of the Buddha. 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 a 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. On a holiday, it is necessary to perform such an action as visiting a temple, as well as 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.
Buddhist holidays: Asalha
If we talk about religious holidays of 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 (vaso), 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 performance with a large number of participants.
The meaning of this mystery is varied. For example, with its help it was possible to intimidate the enemies of the teaching, as well as demonstrate the 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.
