Buddha’s Birthday

Every year on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month, lanterns are decorated in every temple in Korea, and people head to the temples. It is the birthday of Buddha and the day to commemorate the birth of Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama), the founder of Buddhism. He was born in India about 2,500 years ago and grew up as a royal, but left the palace to deeply understand human suffering and find a way to solve it. He eventually attained enlightenment through deep meditation under a Bodhi tree and established the teachings of Buddhism.

In Korea, each temple holds lantern ceremonies, Buddhist services, and offerings to celebrate this day. People light lanterns to symbolize their determination to find light in the darkness and walk the path to enlightenment. Buddhists also practice compassion and sharing on this day and engage in activities to help their neighbors in need.

The lantern festival is a particularly spectacular event. It is an event to honor the Buddha’s intention to come to this world, and expresses the hope that the light of compassion and wisdom will illuminate our lives. The lanterns with each person’s wishes are not just decorations, but the light of prayer that illuminates the darkness of our hearts. The sight of children and adults making lanterns together and visiting temples shows the beauty of community that transcends religion.

Buddha’s Birthday is not just a simple commemoration, but a day to find inner peace and love for others. This day can be an opportunity to reflect on oneself and think about what is important in life. Even if you are not a Buddhist, it will be an opportunity to find a better direction for life through the teachings of Buddha.