История буддизма имеет длительную протяженность in time, as well as many followers to date. The beginning of this religion has its own romantic legend, which will be discussed in this article. Also in Buddhism, a sufficient number of large and small holidays, the meaning of which is significantly different from the traditional.
Buddhism is considered one of the first historicalreligions (two more are Christianity and Islam). However, if we compare it with the other two, it turns out that the definition of a philosophical-religious system is more appropriate for Buddhism, since there is no need to talk about God in the usual sense. It's just not here.
Some researchers are inclined to believe thatBuddhism is very close to the world of science, as there is a thirst for knowledge of the laws of the 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 takes a different form, and does not go into non-existence. This is very similar to the law on the conservation of matter in the world or its transition to another state of aggregation.
Since ancient times, this teaching has been due to itsThe breadth of views gathered a lot of true thinkers, scientists from various fields, outstanding doctors. This is what Buddhist monasteries were famous for, as well as their books on scientific subjects.
By the way, also Buddhism their holidaysdevotes to gaining new knowledge through enlightenment (if anyone succeeds). Some of them are revealed through performances that monks play (for example, the mystery of Tsam).
Birth and the birth of the future founderworld religion is shrouded in legends and mysticism. By origin, the Buddha was an Indian prince named Siddhartha Gautama. His conception is mysterious and intriguing. The future enlightened mother somehow had a dream that a white elephant entered her side. After a while, she discovered that she was pregnant, and after nine months she gave birth to a male baby. The boy was named Siddhartha, which means “fulfilled his purpose”. The baby’s mother could not bear the childbirth 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 was gone, he transferred all unspent love to his son.
By the way, Buddha’s birthday isa rather controversial date, which, however, is currently fixed. Since Buddhism is based on the lunar calendar, the moment of birth of the founder is considered the eighth day of the lunar month Vesak. But still with the year of birth they did not come to a compromise.
Born to a boy, the sage Asita wasforetold a great future, namely the accomplishment of a great religious feat. Of course, the father did not want him like this; he did not want his son to make a religious career. With this he determined the childhood years of Gautama and the following. Although from birth he was prone to dreams and dreams, he was able to feel brief moments of enlightenment. From childhood, Buddha sought solitude and deep contemplation.
Однако отец был против всего этого.Surrounding his son with luxury and all the benefits, marrying him to a beautiful girl, and also hiding from his eyes all the wrong side of this world (poverty, hunger, disease, etc.), he hoped that the hill was forgotten, anxious moods were driven away. However, this did not lead to the expected result, and after a while the hidden became clear.
По легенде, однажды на улице он увидел похороны, the patient and the 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.
The next Buddha period is the search for truth.On his way he met many trials - from a simple study of philosophical treatises to ascetic asceticism. However, nothing answered the questions. Only once, after he had abandoned all false doctrines, he had thinned his soul with previous investigations, an insight had come. It happened what he had been waiting for all these years for so long. He saw not only his life in its true light, but also the life of other people, all the connections between the material and the non-material. Now he knew ...
From that moment on, he became the Buddha, the Enlightened andwho saw the truth. His teaching Gautama preached for forty years, traveling between villages and cities. Death came to him at the age of eighty, after parting words. This day is honored not less than the birthday of the Buddha, as well as the moment when an epiphany fell on him.
Следует отметить, что сам буддизм очень быстро spread throughout India, as well as Southeast and Central Asia, penetrated slightly into Siberia and Central Asia. During its formation several directions of this doctrine appeared, some of them carry a rational grain, others - mystical.
One of the most important is the tradition.Mahayan Her followers believe that it is very important to maintain a compassionate attitude towards other living beings. According to them, the meaning of spiritual enlightenment is to achieve it, and then continue to live in this world for its benefit.
Also in this tradition is used the Sanskrit language for religious texts.
Another direction which is quite large andwas formed from the Mahayana, called Vajrayana. The second name is Tantric Buddhism. The customs of Vajrayana Buddhism are connected by mystical practices, where powerful symbols are used to influence the subconscious of man. This allows you to use all the resources in full and contributes to the advancement of the Buddhist to the point of enlightenment. By the way, today elements of this trend are present in some traditions as separate parts.
Another big and very commonthe direction is Theravada. Today it is the only school that has its origins from the first traditions. This teaching is based on the Pali canon, which is composed in the Pali language. It is believed that these scriptures (albeit in a distorted form, since they were transmitted orally for a long time) most faithfully convey the words of the Buddha. This teaching also believes that the most devoted follower can achieve enlightenment. Thus, in the entire history of Buddhism, twenty-eight such enlightenments have already been counted. These Buddhas are also particularly revered by those professing this religion.
However, it should be noted that the main dates of holidays coincide in almost all traditions.
So, among other things, in Buddhism there ismany different traditions. For example, the attitude to marriage in this religion is special. Nobody forces anyone to do anything, but nevertheless there is no rampant and treachery. In the tradition of Buddhism about family life there are some recommendations on how to make it happy and worthy. The founder of the doctrine gave only some recommendations about how to be faithful, not to flirt and not to inflame in oneself feelings not towards one’s spouse or spouse. In addition, it was not necessary to dissolute and have sex outside marriage.
However, there is nothing against it if a person does notenters into family relationships, as this is a personal matter for everyone. It is believed that, if necessary, people can disperse by mutual agreement, if living together is no longer possible. However, such a need is rare in the event that a man and a woman strictly follow the rules and commandments of the Buddha. He also advised not to marry those people who have a big age difference (for example, an elderly man and a young woman).
In principle, marriage in Buddhism is an opportunity for joint development, support in each other. It is also an opportunity to avoid loneliness (if it is difficult to live with it), fear and deprivation.
Последователи этого учения обычно живут в sangha communities that occupy a certain temple of the Buddha. Monks are not priests in our usual sense. They simply study there, studying the sacred texts, meditating. Almost anyone can become a member of such a community (both male and female).
Each direction of the exercise has its own set of ruleswho should strictly follow the monks followers. Some of them prohibit eating meat, some prescribe to engage in agricultural activities, while others prohibit interfering in social and political life (the monks live off alms).
Thus, one who has become a follower of the Buddha must abide by the rules and not retreat from them.
If we talk about a religion like Buddhism,Holidays here have a special status. They are not marked the way it happens with us. In Buddhism, a holiday is a special day that has more restrictions than permissions. According to their beliefs, these days there is an increase in a thousand times all mental and physical acts, as well as their consequences (as well as positive and negative). It is believed that the observance of all large dates allows us to comprehend the nature and essence of the teachings, to approach the Absolute as close as possible.
The essence of the celebration is to create purityaround yourself and in yourself. This can be achieved through special rites of Buddhism, as well as repetition of mantras, playing musical instruments (the sounds they emit are important), the use of certain religious objects. All this leads to the fact that a person recovers a fine structure, which significantly clears his mind. On a holiday, it is necessary to perform such an action as a visit to the temple, as well as make an offering to the Community, the Master, the Buddhas.
Not considered shameful in the Buddhist tradition andcelebration at home, because the most important thing is the attitude, as well as knowledge of what it is generally needed for. It is believed that each person, even without being in the crowd of the same celebrants, may, after appropriate adjustment, join the general field of celebration.
There are various Buddhist holidays, the listwhich is large enough. Consider the most important of them. For example, one of such holidays for all Buddhists is Visakha Puja. He is the symbol of the three events that occurred in the life of the founder of this doctrine - birth, enlightenment and death (in nirvana). Very many school followers believe that all these events happened on the same day.
Celebrate this holiday in a big way.All temples are decorated with paper lanterns and flower garlands. On their territory put a lot of lamps with oil. Monks recite prayers and tell stories about the Buddha to the laity. This holiday lasts a week.
If we talk about the religious holidays of Buddhism,then this can be attributed to them. He talks about the teaching, the Dharma, which was brought to people, and with which it was possible to 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, besides everythingother things, also points to the foundation of the Sangha. The first in this community were those followers who followed the Buddha and followed his instructions. It also means that there are three refuges in the world - Buddha, Dharma, Sangha.
Also this day is the beginning of the period.retreat for monks (Vaso). However, this does not mean that at this time it is only necessary to refrain from eating. It’s just that the moment that it is only allowed to eat in the morning (from sunrise to noon) enters the practice of the Sangha.
This day ends the Vaso period.It is celebrated on the full moon in October. On this day, the laity presented a special attire for bhikhi. The name of this person is called at the time when Kathina is celebrated. After the end of this (Vaso) period, the monks set off again.
Thus, Buddhism holidays are quite diverse. This ends a certain period of celebration of important religious days, but there are many more.
This is a very interesting annual festival,which lasts several days. They make it 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 be ambiguous.For example, one temple of the Buddha created a ritual dance, and the other put on a play with dialogues that were read by several characters. And, finally, the third temple in general could have a multi-component acting show, where there were a large number of participants.
The meaning of this mystery is diverse.For example, with the help of it it was possible to frighten the enemies of the teachings, as well as demonstrate the true teachings of false teaching. It was still possible to pacify the evil forces for the next year. Or simply prepare a person for the path that he makes after death for the next rebirth.
So, Buddhism holidays are not only religious, but solemn, as well as sublime.
There are also other holidays of Buddhism, which include:
Thus, we see that there are major holidays of Buddhism and others that are no less valuable and important, but are celebrated more modestly.
So we see that the teaching is prettydiverse in terms of knowledge and holidays. For a long time, the long history of Buddhism has undergone many changes that have transformed religion itself. But they did not distort its essence and the path of the person who passed it first and gave certain knowledge to his followers.
Все многочисленные даты праздников так или иначе reflect the essence of the teachings. Their annual celebration gives hope and rethinking of their actions among the followers. By participating in the general celebration, some approach the essence of Buddhism a little and become one step closer to the very enlightenment that the founder has been awarded.
