06 Jul 2023 Dharma Chakra Pravartana Divas
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Dharma Chakra Pravartana Divas”. The topic “Dharma Chakra Pravartana Divas” has relevance in the Art and Culture section of the UPSC CSE exam.
For Prelims:
What is Dharma Chakra Pravartana?
For Mains:
GS 1&4 : Art and Culture, Ethics
Lord Buddha: Teachings and Life Events?
Inspiration for Youth to Navigate Life’s Challenges
Why in the news?
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, called upon the youth to draw inspiration from the teachings of Buddha, empowering themselves to make significant contributions toward building a peaceful society, nation, and world
What is Dharma Chakra Pravartana?
- Dharma Chakra Pravartana, also known as “Turning the Wheel of Dharma,” refers to a significant event in the life of Lord Buddha. It took place in the village of Sarnath, near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
- During the Dharma Chakra Pravartana, Buddha shared his teachings on the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, marking the beginning of his public teaching mission. He expounded on the nature of suffering, its causes, and the path to its cessation.
- The term “Dharma Chakra” refers to the “Wheel of Dharma,” symbolizing the turning or propagation of the teachings of Buddhism. It represents the continuous cycle of teaching and learning, as well as the dissemination of wisdom and enlightenment.
- The Dharma Chakra Pravartana is an essential event in Buddhist history, signifying the establishment of the Buddhist community (sangha) and the spread of Buddha’s teachings throughout the world. It holds great significance for Buddhists and is often commemorated as an important milestone in the Buddhist calendar.
Lord Buddha: Teachings and Life Events
Early Life and Renunciation:
- Born into the royal family of the Sakya clan in Kapilvastu, Nepal.
- At age 29, Siddhartha Gautam renounced his life of luxury.
- Embraced asceticism and extreme self-discipline.
- Attainment of Enlightenment:
- After 49 days of meditation, Gautam achieved Bodhi (enlightenment).
- Under a pipal tree in Bodhgaya, Bihar, he gained profound insight.
- First Sermon and Dharma Chakra Pravartana:
- Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon in Sarnath, near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
- Known as Dharma Chakra Pravartana, it marked the turning of the wheel of law.
- Occurred on Asadha Purnima, a day also observed as Guru Poornima.
Major Teachings of Lord Buddha:
- The Three Marks of Existence:
- Impermanence (anicca): All phenomena are subject to change and transience.
- Unsatisfactoriness (dukkha): The inherent dissatisfaction or suffering in life.
- Non-self (anatta): The absence of a permanent, unchanging self.
The Four Noble Truths:
- Truth of suffering: Acknowledging the existence of suffering.
- Truth of the cause of suffering: Identifying ignorance, attachment, and aversion.
- Truth of the cessation of suffering: Realizing the possibility of ending suffering.
- Truth of the path to the cessation of suffering: Following the Noble Eightfold Path.
The Noble Eightfold Path:
The Noble Eightfold Path consists of right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration. It is a transformative path that leads to the cessation of suffering and the realization of enlightenment
The Four Sublime States:
Loving-kindness (metta), compassion (karuna), sympathetic joy (mudita), and equanimity (upekkha).
The Five Precepts:
Ethical principles for lay followers: abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxication.
Foster respect for life, property, honesty, and clarity of mind.
Inspiration for Youth to Navigate Life’s Challenges:
- Mindfulness as a Foundation: Cultivating awareness of the present moment for improved focus, stress management, and self-awareness.
- Embracing Impermanence and Non-Attachment: Recognizing the transient nature of all things and letting go of attachments for resilience and adaptability.
- Cultivating Compassion and Empathy: Fostering loving-kindness and compassion towards others, promoting unity and understanding.
- Self-Discovery and Inner Transformation: Engaging in introspection and self-reflection to discover true nature, passions, and purpose.
- Social and Environmental Responsibility: Embracing interconnectedness and taking responsible action for equality, justice, and sustainability.
SOURCE:https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1937114
Q.1 What is the significance of Dharma Chakra Pravartana in Buddhism?
(a) It represents the establishment of the Buddhist community.
(b) It symbolizes the propagation of Buddha’s teachings.
(c) It marks the first sermon delivered by Lord Buddha.
(d) All of the above.
Answer: (d)
Q.2 Which of the following is not one of the Four Noble Truths taught by Lord Buddha?
(a) Truth of suffering
(b) Truth of the cause of suffering
(c) Truth of the cessation of suffering
(d) Truth of eternal happiness
Answer: (d)
Q.3 Explain the fundamental teachings of Lord Buddha. Discuss the practical implications of incorporating these teachings into one’s life and their potential impact on personal well-being and societal harmony.
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