As a young boy, Siddhartha left home at an early age in search of truth. The journey took him through life until finally he sat beneath a Peepal tree in meditation and attained enlightenment.
For the first time in Trinidad, Buddha's birthday would be celebrated on May 10, at the Dattatreya Yoga Centre, Waterloo, Carapichaima from 6 a.m. to 8.30 a.m.
Mahatma (great soul) Buddha Jayanti (birthday celebration) will explore the life and philosophy of Buddha under the guidance of Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji of India, spiritual head of the local Dattatreya organisation. Swami Brahmadeoji of Kashi, India and India's High Commissioner, Shri Malay Mishra will be attending and will speak on the life of Buddha.
The fascinating and inspiring story of Mahatma Buddha would be retold. He lived 2,500 years ago in India and brought about a transformation of a new society, new thoughts and a new way of living that demonstrates the sublime heights of which human compassion, thoughts and feelings can rise.
At the heart of his teachings are questions that require inner reflections such as what is suffering, what is the root cause of suffering, how can it be removed and what is the right path to achieve happiness after removal of suffering.
Buddha presented an eight-fold path of righteousness to achieve happiness, peace and bliss namely right opinions, right aspirations, right speech, right action, right means of livelihood, right effort, right awareness and right meditation. He said that those who follow the path will be freed from pain and sorrow. The path, he promised led to knowledge, calmness, serenity and ultimately to realisation or Nirvana.
According to the teachings of Buddhism, cessation of suffering happens through the total absence of desire, surrender and non-attachment.
Buddhism is said to be a scientific religion that always search for the truth.
The public has been invited to join in the celebration of joy, peace, bliss and spiritual awakening through the life and teachings of Mahatma Buddha.