8 Insights on Significance of Parinirvana Day

1. What is Parinirvana Day?

Parinirvana Day is a festival that is observed by Mahayana countries. On this day devotees remember Buddhas passing away at the age of 80.

2. Who celebrates Parinirvana?

Parinirvana is celebrated on 8 February or 15 February by Mahayana Buddhists. It is predominantly celebrated in East Asia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Bhutan, and India.

2. Nirvana

The teachings of Buddhism convey that after Buddha passed away he went into the state of Parinirvana. It essentially refers to Nirvana which means without end.

4. End of Rebirth

It is believed that once a Buddhist reaches Nirvana the person will not experience rebirth again. This is because reaching Nirvana means that the individual has gained complete understanding. This is also the end of all suffering.

5. How is Nirvana achieved?

When the individual is free of all suffering and desire, Nirvana is obtainable.

6. Celebrating Parinirvana Day

Devotees visit monasteries and Buddhist temples on this day. It is viewed as more of a social gathering there as people bring homemade food, and presents (clothes, household goods, and money).

7. A Day of Remembering

Buddhists remember relations and friends who have passed away and pay respect to them.

8. Self Reflection

Parinirvana Day is marked as an important day by Buddhists as they reflect on their lives and give thought to ways they can work towards gaining.