What is Nirvana Day?
Rebecca: Hi Himari, you’re missing all the good snow.
Himari: Sorry, I was helping my parents decorate for Nirvana Day.
Rebecca: What’s that?
Himari: My family are Buddhist. We believe in rebirth, which means all people are reborn again and again. But during the Buddha’s life he became enlightened, which means that he understood the true nature of everything. So when he died, he achieved complete Nirvana, which means he was free from ever being reborn again. Most Buddhists from East Asian countries, like my family, remember this by celebrating Nirvana Day on the 15th of February.
Rebecca: So what do you do?
Himari: We go to a temple or monastery and read from the Nirvana Sutra. This describes the last days and words of the Buddha. People bring gifts, share meals together, and think about achieving Nirvana for themselves. It’s also a time to remember loved ones who have died and to think about impermanence.
Rebecca: What does that mean?
Himari: We remember that people and things are precious, but that they don’t last forever, kind of like our snowman, so we should enjoy them while we can.
Rebecca: Poor snowman, at least he got to learn about Nirvana Day!
Himari: True.
Nirvana Day is an annual Buddhist festival that remembers the death of the Buddha when he reached Nirvana at the age of 80.
Nirvana is believed to be the end of the cycle of death and rebirth. Buddhism teaches that Nirvana is reached when all want and suffering is gone.
When is Nirvana Day?
Most Buddhists celebrate Nirvana Day on the 15 February. Others celebrate it on 8 February. It is also known as Parinirvana Day.
Four Noble Truths
The Buddha attained Nirvana when he came to understand the Four Noble Truths. These are:
- Life involves suffering
- Suffering is due to having desires
- Suffering can be ended by overcoming desires
- The way to end suffering is by following the Eightfold Path
The Eightfold Path
The Eightfold Path is often represented as a wheel, known as the Wheel of Dharma. 'Dharma' is an ancient Sanskrit word used to refer to the the Buddha's teachings.
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What is meditation?
Buddhists believe meditation is very important for well being. It is a way to clear the mind and encourage positive thinking.
To meditate you need to find a quiet area where you can concentrate. There are lots of different ways of meditating. Some people sit on a cushion with their legs crossed and focus on breathing deeply. Others attend classes and learn different techniques.
How is Nirvana Day celebrated?
Buddhists may celebrate Nirvana Day by meditating or by going to Buddhist temples or monasteries.
In monasteries, Nirvana Day is treated as a social occasion. Food is prepared and some people bring presents such as money, household goods or clothes.
On Nirvana Day, Buddhists think about their lives and how they can gain the perfect peace of Nirvana. They remember friends or relations who have recently died. They reflect on the fact that death is a part of life for everyone.
The idea that nothing stays the same is important to Buddhism. Buddhists believe that loss and change are things to be accepted rather than causes of sadness.
Activity: Thinking points
Have a look at the thinking points below. You can discuss them with somebody else if you want to. There are no right or wrong answers so remember to be respectful if somebody else has a different thought or opinion.
- The Buddha taught his followers to follow a path that reduces suffering. What did you learn about the Buddha’s Path?
- Statues of the Buddha are often trying to show calmness, compassion, peace and harmony. What do you notice most about the statues?
- How can a good friend reduce someone’s suffering?
Nirvana Day Quiz
Activity: Mandala Colouring
Mandala colouring activity. document
Mandalas are used by Buddhists to help them meditate. A mandala represents a symbolic depiction of the universe. They can be made using coloured sand or can be a painting on a wall or scroll. Download these simple mandalas and try colouring them in.
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