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Unlock This CourseNirvana Day (also called Parinirvana Day) remembers the death of the Buddha. It is kept mainly by Mahayana Buddhists, usually in February. You met the story of his death at Kushinagar in The Buddha's Teaching, Death and Parinirvana, so here it is only recalled: the Buddha died aged about 80, and Buddhists call his death parinirvana, because they believe he had already reached nibbana (nirvana) and was now free from rebirth.
That is why the day is not about sadness alone. It is a day to remember the Buddha's last teaching, and to think about the truth that everything changes. You met this idea as anicca (impermanence) in Anicca, Anatta and the Five Khandhas.
Remember from Wesak: Celebrating the Buddha's Birth, Enlightenment and Death that Theravada Buddhists remember the death of the Buddha at Wesak. Many Mahayana Buddhists give it a day of its own.
Key terms:
The account of the Buddha's last days is read aloud or chanted. Mahayana Buddhists read the Nirvana Sutra and Theravada Buddhists read the Mahaparinibbana Sutta. It matters because it lets Buddhists hear about the Buddha's final teaching in the setting of his death, so they feel close to him and remember what he asked of his followers.
Many Buddhists meditate on impermanence, because the Buddha's death shows that nothing lasts. Some also meditate on loved ones who have died, wishing them well. This helps Buddhists accept loss calmly instead of clinging to what they cannot keep.
Buddhists go to a vihara or monastery to join the services, chanting and talks on the Dhamma. A statue of the Buddha lying on his side, which shows his parinirvana, is often the centre of attention. Visiting together strengthens the Sangha.
Lay people bring food, flowers and other gifts for the monks and nuns, and may share a meal with the community. Giving is a way of making merit and of showing gratitude to the Buddha and the Sangha.
Customs differ between countries and monasteries. Some places hold large ceremonies and others keep the day quietly. In Japan the day is known as Nehan-e and is marked in February.
Festivals bring the community together, remind Buddhists of the Buddha's life and teaching, and let lay people make merit through giving. For many Buddhists they are a joyful chance to practise generosity and meet monks, nuns and other Buddhists.
Other Buddhists say that the Buddha's path is about how you live every day: keeping the precepts, being kind and meditating. A festival is helpful only if it makes daily practice stronger, and it is not a replacement for it.
Attitudes also differ between countries and traditions. In some countries, festivals are large public events. In others, they are small and quiet. Both can be seen as honouring the Buddha.
Paper 2 (a) [AO1] Outline two ways in which Buddhists celebrate Nirvana Day. [4 marks]
Paper 2 (b) [AO1, AO2] Explain why Nirvana Day is important for Buddhists. [6 marks]
Paper 2 (c) [AO1, AO2] "Festivals are less important than daily practice for Buddhists."
Discuss this statement, considering the arguments for and against. In your answer you should include reference to teachings, other (divergent) points of view, and your own opinion using reasoned arguments. [10 marks]
(a) Buddhists listen to a reading of the Nirvana Sutra, the account of the Buddha's last days (1), which helps them remember his final teaching (1). They also meditate on impermanence (1), because the Buddha's death shows that nothing lasts (1).
(b) Nirvana Day is important because it remembers the death of the Buddha, his parinirvana (1), when Buddhists believe he was freed from rebirth (1). Reading the Nirvana Sutra reminds them of his last teaching (1). Meditating on impermanence helps them accept loss and avoid clinging (1). Visiting a vihara or monastery and giving food and gifts lets them make merit and strengthens the Sangha (1). The day is thoughtful, not sad, because it shows the Dhamma is still a guide (1).
(c) Plan. For: the Buddha taught a path of daily living, the Noble Eightfold Path and the Five Precepts, not just special days; a festival without changed behaviour is only a custom. Against: festivals bring the Sangha together and give lay people a chance to make merit; they remind Buddhists of the Buddha's life, as the Nirvana Sutra does; they can inspire daily practice. Divergent view: in some countries large public festivals are central to Buddhist life, while elsewhere practice is quiet and personal. Conclusion: daily practice is the heart of the path, but festivals support it, so the statement is partly true. Festivals are less important only if they replace daily practice.
For the 10-mark question, give a view from each side, name a teaching such as the Five Precepts or the Noble Eightfold Path, and end with your own reasoned judgement.