Five Great Events of Buddha’s Life

The five great events of the life of the Buddha, also known as the Pancha Maha Bhutika or Five Great Wonders, are important milestones in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical figure who is traditionally considered to be the founder of Buddhism. These events are marked by distinctive symbols that are used to represent and commemorate each event. The symbols of the five great events of the Buddha’s life are as follows:

1. The Birth of the Buddha: The symbol of the birth of the Buddha is the lotus flower, which represents purity, beauty, and spiritual growth. The lotus is said to have bloomed at the exact moment of the Buddha’s birth, and is a reminder of the potential for enlightenment that exists within all beings.
2. The Enlightenment of the Buddha: The symbol of the enlightenment of the Buddha is the bodhi tree, under which the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. The bodhi tree represents wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual awakening, and is a reminder of the importance of self-reflection and meditation in the pursuit of enlightenment.
3. The First Sermon of the Buddha: The symbol of the first sermon of the Buddha is the wheel of dharma, which represents the teachings of the Buddha and the path to enlightenment. The wheel of dharma is a reminder of the importance of following the Buddha’s teachings in order to achieve spiritual fulfillment.
4. The Miracle at Sravasti: The symbol of the miracle at Sravasti is the stupa, which is a sacred monument that contains relics of the Buddha or other important figures in Buddhist history. The stupa is a reminder of the power of the Buddha’s teachings and the miraculous nature of his life.
5. The Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha: The symbol of the Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha is the footstep, which represents the Buddha’s final passing from this world into the realm of nirvana. The footstep is a reminder of the transitory nature of life, and of the importance of striving for spiritual liberation.

Overall, the symbols of the five great events of the Buddha’s life are important reminders of the central themes and teachings of Buddhism, and are used in various religious and cultural practices to honor the life and legacy of the Buddha.  Some other sources Great Departure as one of the great events whose symbol is Horse.