Triratna communities around the world have been marking Parinirvana Day, which occurs on 15th February each year, commemorating the physical death and final Nirvana of the Buddha Shakyamuni.

Parinirvana Day is a time to recall the Buddha's final days and his passing into final Nirvana, as he leaves his physical body. Many centres reflect on this by hearing verses from the Maha-parinibbana Sutta, a beautiful evocation of the Buddha's generous teachings and acts, even in his final few days. Included in the sutta are the well-known and moving words of Ananda, the Buddha's loyal attendant:

The Master is about to pass away from me: he who is so kind

Parinirvana Day is also a time to reflect on impermanence and death more broadly, remembering loved ones who have died and recalling our own inevitable mortality. In these days of uncertainty during the global Covid-19 Pandemic, these teachings feel as relevant and poignant as ever.

Here's a talk from Bhadra at the Bristol Buddhist Centre "The Final Letting Go: Celebration of the Parinirvana" and a series of seminars by Jnanavaca at the London Buddhist Centre entitled "Death and the Dharma". Also, a talk given in 2020 by Vajratara entitled "Reflections on Impermanence and Death"

You can also find further talks on Parinirvana and on death and dying on Free Buddhist Audio.

We'd love to hear how you or your Sangha have marked Parinirvana day this year. Let us know in the comments below!

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Watch Bhadra's talk on Youtube

Find the playlist for Jnanavaca's seminars on Youtube

Watch Vajratara's talk on Youtube

Listen to Vishvapani's Thought for the day for Parinirvana day

Further Resources on this theme:

Find talks on Parinirvana on Free Buddhist Audio

Find talks on death and dying on Free Buddhist Audio

Read the Maha-parinibbana Sutta

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