Jammu, May 12: The All J&K Guru Ravi Dass Sabha (Regd.), Jammu marked the sacred occasion of Lord Buddha Jayanti with great reverence and enthusiasm at the Gurudwara Shri Guru Ravidas Ji Maharaj, located at Krishna Nagar, Jammu. This annual celebration, held on the full moon day of Vaisakh (May), is considered a thrice-blessed day in Buddhist tradition, commemorating the three monumental events in Lord Buddha’s life — his birth at Lumbini, his enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, and his Mahaparinirvana at Kushinagar. These pivotal milestones in Buddha’s journey were highlighted by Er. R.C. Bhasin, the Convenor of the Adhoc Committee of the Sabha.
During the event, Shamlal Basson, a prominent speaker and social figure, shared insights into the core philosophy of Lord Buddha. He elaborated on the Noble Eightfold Path, which serves as the cornerstone of Buddhist spiritual practice. This path consists of eight guiding principles: Right View, Right Resolve (or Right Thought), Right Speech, Right Conduct, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Samadhi (Concentration). These principles are designed to guide individuals towards ethical living, mental discipline, and wisdom.
He quoted Buddha’s words, “Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without,” emphasizing the relevance of this timeless wisdom in today’s turbulent world.
Adding further spiritual depth to the event, Prof. C.L. Shivgotra addressed the gathering and spoke about Buddha’s teachings on emotional control and inner peace. Quoting another profound thought from Lord Buddha, he said, “Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.”
The program included spiritual discourses, recitations from Buddhist scriptures, and reflections on the life and values of Lord Buddha. The gathering not only celebrated the historical importance of Buddha Jayanti but also reinforced a collective commitment to living by the principles of compassion, non-violence, truth, and spiritual awakening.
