Buddha Purnima 2020: 12 Inspiring quotes from Gautam Buddha that will change your life

Filled with profound wisdom, Siddhartha Gautama aka Gautam Buddha, is believed to have belonged to the 6th century BC. He was given the name “Buddha”, which literally means “The enlightened one”, and to this day, he has thousands of followers who practice his teachings under the name of 'Buddhism' - which is now the 4th largest religion in the world. Though Buddha is the founder of a religion, he is not considered as a God. While some believe he is the 9th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, others view him as a spiritual leader. 

As we know, Siddhartha Gautam transformed into 'Gautam Buddha' by denouncing the worldly pleasures and embracing spirituality, seeking real enlightenment of the soul - this, is the ultimate goal of his followers, to find soul satisfaction over anything materialistic. 

Traditionally, some of the rituals that are performed in honour of Buddha are - paying visits to Viharas (Buddhist Monastery) where there are special services held, wearing white and not consuming any non vegetarian food. Futher, kheer (an Indian sweet dish) is prepared in most Indian households and then distributed to friends and family. 

An interesting belief Buddhists have is the mantra : Om Mani Padme Hum. It is said that all the teachings of the Buddha are contained in this mantra and is the most widely used amongst others. According to popular Buddhist sites, the first syllable of the mantra, OM, is not a word but an evocation of spiritual power and the presence of the absolute. The word Mani means "jewel" or "bead", Padme is the lotus flower and Hum represents the spirit of enlightenment. Today, on Buddha Purnima, the birthday of Gautam Buddha, we decided to put together 12 quotes and teachings from the spiritual master, for you to be inspired and make important necessary life changes...

1. The mind is everything. What you think, you become. 

2. You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger. 

3. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.

4. Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace. 

5. To understand everything is to forgive everything.

6. The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you and depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed. 

7. You don't need someone to complete you. You just need someone to accept you completely. 

8. Give, even if you only have a little.

9. Be patient. Everything comes to you in the right moment. 

10. Suffering is not holding you, you are holding suffereing. 

11. Trust the wait and embrace the uncertainity. When nothing is certain, anything is possible. 

12. Your beliefs don't make you a better person, your behaviour does. 

Gautam Buddha is believed to have been enlightened at the religious site of Bodh Gaya in Bihar. The place is now pne of the most popular Buddhist pilgrims as well as tourist attraction that is brimming with visitors on this auspicious day. Which of these quotes do you relate to most? Let us know in the comments below...