Dhammacakka Day 2022

On July 13, 2022, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind virtually addressed the Dhammacakka Day 2022 celebrations at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh. Celebrations were organised on “Ashadha Purnima”, by Ministry of Culture, in coordination with “International Buddhist Confederation” as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Highlights

• During his address, President threw light on Buddhism.
• According to him, Buddhism has become one of the greatest spiritual traditions in India. Several holy sites connected with the life and teachings of Buddha are located in India.
• Four main holy places are:

1. Bodh Gaya– Lord Buddha attained enlightenment
2. Sarnath– Buddha gave his first sermon
3. Shravasti- He spent most of Chaturmases here and offered most of the sermons.
4. Kushinagar- He attained the Mahaparinirvana.

Ashadha Purnima

Ashadha Purnima is regarded as the second most significant sacred day for Buddhists, after the Vaishakha Buddha Purnima. The day is observed to commemorate First Sermon by Buddha or the event of First Turning of the Wheel of Dhamma”. During his first sermon at Sarnath, Buddha taught Dharmacakra pravartana Sutra.

International Buddhist Confederation

International Buddhist Confederation was established in 2013. It is an international Buddhist umbrella body, which was created to act as a common platform for Buddhists across the world. It is headquartered in New Delhi. It represents the diversity in Buddhism. Through this platform, global Buddhist community share their wisdom and participate in ongoing social and political discourse. It also preserves and promotes the shared heritage.

Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta

After Buddha got enlightened, he gave First Sermon to his five ascetics. This event is known as Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta or ‘Turning the Wheel of Dhamma’. The Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta talks about Four Noble Truths, which express the basic orientation of Buddhism. The Sutta is also referred to as three concepts of Buddhism viz., Middle Way, dependent origination and impermanence.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2022

Category: Important Days & Events Current Affairs • Summits and Conferences