As Buddha Purnima is being widely celebrated today, the world is worshiping the ever calmed and peaceful Buddha who gave the important message of peace and unity to the entire world.

Buddha’s real name was Siddhartha, a son of an emperor. Once Siddhartha went for a tour in his kingdom and exposed to the sorrows faced by the poor. Upon seeing that, Siddhartha left his family and belongings and started his journey towards the enlightenment.

Buddha Purnima celebrated as the the birth of Gautama Buddha, a spiritual teacher on whose teaching Buddhism was founded. As there is no data available about the exact time and period of Buddha’s birth, most historians predict Buddha’s period from 563 BC to 483 BC. Buddha was born at Lumbini, Nepal according to many experts. He was died at Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, a state in India.

As the legends say, Gautama Buddha obtained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya and he first taught Dharma at Sarnath, both the places are important for Buddhists. The other pilgrimage sites are Kushinagar and Lumbini. All in India except Lumbini.

This auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima is also known as Buddha Jayanti, Vesak Viashaka and Buddha’s Birthday.

On this peaceful occasion we bring you some quotes by Buddha himself

1. A man is not called wise because he talks and talks again; but if he is peaceful, loving and fearless then he is in truth called wise.
2. Purity or impurity depends on oneself, No one can purify another.
3. True love is born from understanding.
4. Just as a snake sheds its skin, we must shed our past over and over again.
5. It is a man's own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways.
6. There is nothing so disobedient as an undisciplined mind, and there is nothing so obedient as a disciplined mind.
7. Ardently do today what must be done. Who knows? Tomorrow, death comes.
8. Give, even if you only have a little.
9. Meditate … do not delay, lest you later regret it.
10. There is no fear for one whose mind is not filled with desires.
By Prajakt K.