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Holidays and Festivals Around the World
Buddhism
Buddhism was founded in the 6th centaury B.C. by Siddhartha Gautama, who became know as Buddha after he became enlightened. There are currently around 376 million people who follow Buddhism worldwide. Buddhists believe in the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-fold Path. The Four Noble Truths are that life is suffering, both mental and physical; that suffering is caused by craving and aversion; that you can overcome the suffering and happiness can be attained; the way to obtain happiness is by following the Eight-fold Path. To summarize the Eight-fold path, you must be moral, be fully aware of your thoughts and actions, have compassion for others, and develop wisdom by understanding the Four Noble Truths
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| January 3 | Mahayna New Year | The first day of the New Year celebrate by Buddhists |
| February 8 | Parinirvana - Nirvana Day | Marks Buddha’s entrance into the final nirvana, which is a state of complete detachment, otherwise known as death. |
| February 15 | Parinirvana - Nirvana Day (alternate date) | Buddha was 80 |
| March 3 | Magha Puja | Celebration of Buddha teaching to an assembly of holy men know as arahants. There were 1250 arshants present. |
| April 2 | Therevada New Year |
Therevada Buddhists New Year |
| May 20 | Wesak |
Celebrates the birth of Buddha and for some Buddhists death and enlightenment of him as well. It is the most holy day for Buddhists. |
| July 18 | Asalha Puja Dharma Day |
Marks the beginning of Buddha’s teachings. His main teachings were the middle way, the four noble truths, and the eight-fold path. |
| December 8 | Bodhi Day | This day celebrates the enlightenment of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who then became Buddha. |
| *Holidays in bold are the most important holidays. | ||
Last Updated: 12-Mar-2008
Michigan Technological University is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment and culture where voices and people from all ethnicities, religions, races, cultures and ages are valued and respected. As a special University initiative, the information about “Holidays and Festivals Around the World” is researched, collated and presented in this web link. We understand that the material may not be inclusive of all holidays and festivals and there may be many information updates, enhancements and corrections needed for this link. IPS welcomes contributions from community members to enhance our understanding and knowledge of global diversity. Community members can send additional information or any corrections or updates to ips@mtu.edu.