10 am Nirvana Day: Shakyamuni Buddha’s memorial service

Nirvana Day marks the day Shakyamuni Buddha died and entered parinirvana (complete, perfect nirvana). Although he had awakened to Truth, having realized enlightenment, or reached nirvana, at thirty-five, he did not enter parinirvana until his death at eighty. Nirvana Day is one of three observances commemorating Shakyamuni Buddha, the other two being his birthday in April (Buddha Day) and his enlightenment in December (Bodhi Day).

The death of Shakyamuni Buddha underscores the teaching of impermanence, the idea that we, and all beings and things in this world we live in, are subject to constant change. It was Shakyamuni Buddha’s intent, through his teachings, that we understand the transitory nature of our existence, the cause of our suffering, and to experience Truth.