Guru Purnima Observances By Jainism and Buddhists

Guru Purnima Observances By Jainism

According to Jain traditions, it was on this day, falling at the beginning of chaturmas, the four month rainy season retreat, Mahavira, the 24thTirthankara, after attaining Kaivalya, made Indrabhuti Gautam, later known as Gautam Swami, a Ganadhara, his first disciple, thus becoming a Guru himself, therefore it is observed in Jainism as Guru Purnima, and is marked special veneration to one's Gurus and teachers.

Guru Purnima Observances By Buddhists

Buddhists observe on this day uposatha i.e. to observe eight precepts.

Vipassana meditators practice meditation on this day under the guidance of their teachers.

Rainy season i.e. varsha vassa also starts with this day.

During the rainy season lasting for three lunar months from July to October.

During this time Buddhist monks remain in a single place, generally in their temples.

In some monasteries, monks dedicate the Vassa to intensive meditation.

During Vassa, many Buddhist lay people reinvigorate their spiritual training and adopt more ascetic practices, such as giving up meat, alcohol, or smoking.