Buddhism emerged from Indian philosophy around 500 BC. It was founded by the North Indian prince Siddharta Gautama. He left behind his courtly life to seek a way to understand and overcome human suffering. After his “awakening” he was given the epithet ‘Buddha’.
The ‘Four Noble Truths’ and the ‘Eightfold Path’ are the basis of all Buddhist beliefs. The focus is not on gods, but on paths to enlightenment. The ultimate goal is to achieve nirvana — the highest state of consciousness. By letting go of people and possessions, one breaks free from the endless cycle of birth and rebirth.
Buddhist festivals, such as the New Year or the start and end of the rainy season, mark the course of the year across East Asia. Yet, most holidays centre around key moments in the life of Siddhartha Gautama.
The most significant is Vesak, which honours the birth of Buddha, his ‘awakening’, and the attainment of nirvana. Across the world, Buddhist communities use this occasion to reconnect with their shared origins in the life and teachings of the Buddha. Temples are visited, processions take place, and people engage in rituals of devotion. Monasteries and shrines (‘stupas’) are evidence of pilgrimages to his birthplace, Lumbini, since the 3rd century BC.