Asalha Puja Day

On 25th July, the Buddhapadipa temple celebrated it and a lot of Buddhist and non-Buddhist joined the day. Asalha Day falls on the full moon day of July, it is the day which the Buddha delivered his first sermon to the five ascetics at Maruegadayawana, Isibatana, Paranasi (India). The first sermon named Dhammacakkappawattana Sutta which means ‘Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion’. The gist of the sutta is as follows:

1. The middle way, which is right method, human beings should put into practice in their life. The middle way is between two extremes which are hedonism (loose practice) and asceticism (tight or tough practice) and the Buddha tried out the two and knew that they were not right. Later on he found out the middle which is also called Noble Eightfold Path. Here it is:

Right understanding: understand as it really is.

Right view: have a good view and intention to do good actions.

Right speech: say words which cause love, harmony, and wisdom.

Right actions: good actions which neither harm oneself nor others.

Right livelihood: make a living which is not harmful to one self, or others.

Right effort: make an effort to abandon bad actions and perform good actions.

Right mindfulness: be mindful and careful of mental and physical actions.

Right concentration: focus attention on work being done in the here and now.

2. The Four Noble Truths which are as follows:

1. Suffering in both mental and physical, exists in this world and all beings experience it in their daily life.

2. Any suffering or problem has a cause which causes problem; find out the cause is to find out the solution.

3. The proper solution is wisdom gained by education and practice.

4. The path, or method which is put into practice will lead to the end of suffering, or problem.

The outcome of the delivering of the first sermon is that Ascetic Konnanya became enlightened and the first Bhikkhu (monk) in the Buddhist way of life. This is the great day, event and occasion which should be celebrated. Therefore, every year to commemorate the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha, the Buddhapadipa temple and people celebrated the day. The day was full of meritorious activities and happiness. Thank you all for joining us.