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Parinirvana Day

On Parinirvana Day, we honor the life and teachings of Buddha - join us in meditation and reflection to find inner peace and enlightenment.
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When it is?
February 15
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Religious
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United States
Introduction

Get ready to celebrate the ultimate enlightenment on Parinirvana Day, occurring on February 15! This holiday is an important part of Buddhist tradition and commemorates the death of Buddha, as well as his final attainment of Nirvana. It is believed that on this day, Buddha passed into complete liberation from the cycle of rebirth. While it may seem like a somber occasion, it is actually a time for reflection and celebrating the teachings of Buddhism. So take some time to meditate and honor this significant day in a positive and meaningful way.

History of Parinirvana Day

Parinirvana Day Dates

Parinirvana Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>563 BCE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Buddha's Birth</div><div class='timeline-text'>Siddhartha Gautama, later known as Buddha, is believed to have been born in Lumbini, present-day Nepal.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>528 BCE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Attainment of Enlightenment</div><div class='timeline-text'>Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, becoming Buddha.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>483 BCE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Buddha's Parinirvana</div><div class='timeline-text'>Buddha entered Parinirvana, marking the end of his life and his complete liberation from the cycle of rebirth.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1st Century CE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Mahayana Buddhism Emergence</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Mahayana tradition of Buddhism, which reveres the Parinirvana of Buddha, emerged around this period.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>5th Century CE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>The Parinirvana Sutra</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Parinirvana Sutra, a Mahayana Buddhist text highlighting the final days and teachings of Buddha, is believed to have been compiled.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>World Fellowship of Buddhists Establishment</div><div class='timeline-text'>The World Fellowship of Buddhists established the holiday of Parinirvana Day, observed annually on February 15, paying homage to Buddha's teachings and his attainment of ultimate enlightenment.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Parinirvana Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Meditate on the teachings of Buddha</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Parinirvana Day is a time to reflect on the teachings of Buddha and his journey towards enlightenment. Take some time to meditate on these teachings and find peace within yourself.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Buddhist ceremony or service</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many Buddhist temples and centers hold special ceremonies or services on Parinirvana Day. Attend one of these events to connect with others and honor the memory of Buddha's passing.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a local charity or organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In honor of Buddha's teachings of compassion and service, spend the day volunteering at a local charity or organization. This is a meaningful way to celebrate Parinirvana Day and give back to your community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read and discuss Buddhist texts with friends</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends who are also interested in Buddhism and spend the day reading and discussing Buddhist texts. This is a great way to deepen your understanding of the religion and its teachings.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take a pilgrimage to a Buddhist holy site</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you have the means and opportunity, consider taking a pilgrimage to a Buddhist holy site on Parinirvana Day. This could be a powerful and meaningful experience to honor Buddha's life and teachings.</p></div></div>

Why Parinirvana Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It commemorates the death of Buddha</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Parinirvana Day is an important holiday for Buddhists as it marks the passing of their founder and spiritual leader, Gautama Buddha. It serves as a time to reflect on his teachings, his legacy, and the impact he had on Buddhism and the world.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It symbolizes the attainment of enlightenment</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The word "parinirvana" means the final passing or release from the cycle of rebirth. For Buddhists, this day also represents the ultimate goal of achieving enlightenment and liberation from suffering. It serves as a reminder of our own mortality and to strive towards spiritual growth.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It is a day for reflection and renewal</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Parinirvana Day is often celebrated with meditation, chanting, and offerings at Buddhist temples around the world. It provides a space for individuals to reflect on their own journey towards enlightenment and to renew their commitment to the Buddhist path. It's a time for self-reflection and introspection, fostering personal growth and spiritual development.</p></div></div>

5 Facts About Buddhism

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Buddhism Originated in India</h3><p class='facts-content'>Buddhism is a spiritual tradition that focuses on personal spiritual development and the attainment of enlightenment, it originated in India in the 6th-4th century BCE.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Siddhartha Gautama is the Founder of Buddhism</h3><p class='facts-content'>Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha, is considered the founder of Buddhism. He lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent during the 6th-4th century BCE.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Followers of Buddhism Seek to Reach Nirvana</h3><p class='facts-content'>Nirvana in Buddhism is seen as the ultimate state of soteriological release and liberation from rebirths in samsara, the cycle of birth, life, death, rebirth and redeath.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Buddhist Teachings are Guided by The Four Noble Truths</h3><p class='facts-content'>These include the truth of suffering, the truth of the cause of suffering, the truth of the end of suffering, and the truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Buddhism Splits into Three Main Branches</h3><p class='facts-content'>These are Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana, each with their own interpretations and practices, but all focus on the teachings of Buddha.</p></div></div>

Parinirvana Day FAQs

When is Parinirvana Day?

Parinirvana Day is celebrated on February 15 every year. In 2024 Parinirvana Day will occur on a Thursday.

Parinirvana Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Feb 15

Wednesday

2024

Feb 15

Thursday

2025

Feb 15

Saturday

2026

Feb 15

Sunday

2027

Feb 15

Monday

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