Download Nirvana Day - Mahayana Buddhist

Nirvana Day - Mahayana Buddhist
Nirvana Day, also known as Parinirvana, is observed primarily by Mahayana
Buddhists. The largest concentration of celebration is in East Asia; however,
many Western Buddhist groups also celebrate Nirvana Day. The occasion
commemorates the death of the Buddha and his entry into Nirvana.
The Sanskrit word nirvana (“neer-VAH-nah”) means “a blowing out” as in
the “blowing out” of a candle, or the extinction of worldly illusions and
passions. Nirvana is the state of being non-sentient. The Buddha taught that
Nirvana was beyond human imagination and speculation about what Nirvana
is like is foolish.
The Buddha died at the age of 80 and in the company of his monks. The
Paranibbana Sutta describes the Buddha's last days. What is recorded there
tells us that the Buddha knew his life was at an end and that he urged his
monks to maintain the teachings.
Finally he said, “All conditioned things are subject to decay. Strive for your
liberation with diligence.” Those were the Buddha's last words.
Nirvana Day is most commonly observed on February 15th; however,
some Buddhists will celebrate on February 8th.
While there is general agreement that Nirvana Day is a time to
contemplate the Buddha’s teachings, specific customs are widely varied.
For many the day is seen as an opportunity to reflect on the fact of their
own future deaths, and as a time to honor friends and relatives who have
recently passed away. Central to Buddhist teaching is the understanding that
all things are transient – loss and impermanence are to be accepted rather
than to be causes for grief.
Celebrations include meditation, going to Buddhist temples or monasteries,
reading passages from the Paranibbana Sutta, and the preparation of special
meals.
Some monasteries and temples hold meditation retreats. Others view
Nirvana Day as a social occasion and open their doors to laypeople, who
bring offering gifts of money, clothing and household items to support the
monks and nuns.
There is no traditional greeting that is specific to Nirvana Day. As a more
general observation, be aware that instead of shaking hands many
traditional Buddhists place their palms together in front of their chest (in the
anjali position) and bow slightly when greeting each other.
Estimates of the number of Buddhists globally range from 230 to 500 million
with the number 350 million being the most commonly cited. Mahayana is
the largest branch of Buddhism with around 185 million adherents.
The Buddha spent 40 years teaching after his Enlightenment. On Nirvana
Day, we suggest that we each honor that legacy by pausing for a few
moments to send, in manners appropriate in our personal faith traditions
and/or belief systems, thoughts of love and good will to all of our Buddhist
brothers and sisters as they commemorate the death, and the entry into
Nirvana, of this great teacher.
Shalom Salaam Peace
Kay & Dave Corby, Founders
Common Tables
"There is beauty in the simplicity of the Common Tables message." Terri L.,
Colorado
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Recommended Reading:
(Particularly recommended for our readers in North America)
How the Swans Came to the Lake
A Narrative History of Buddhism in America
To learn more about the world’s faith traditions, including Buddhism, we
invite you to consider the books suggested in our online bookstore: The
Higher Shelf.
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