Asalhapuja Day’s Morning

On Sunday 9^th July the Buddhapadipa Temple celebrated Asalha Puja Day. This day commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon, which he delivered to the five ascetics in the Deer Park. This was the beginning of the first Sangha.At nine thirty the devotees gathered at the main temple where at ten the chairman lit candles and incense. The Venerable Monks assembled and led the devotees around the exterior of the temple. The lay people, with flowers and incense in their hands, followed the Monks as they chanted and all circumambulated the Uposatha Hall three times.

There was now chanting and the taking of the five precepts, a talk in Thai took place in the basement by the abbot, Phrarajbhavanavimol, while in the main temple Pk Lom gave a talk in English.

In the basement there was chanting by the Venerable Monks and then offerings of non perishable foods (Takbat) to them. At eleven lunch was served to the monks. The food that was served to them was varied and plentiful. One could see that much effort had been used in its preparation.

When finished, the monks chanted and gave blessings to the people. Lay people and their friends now partook of lunch in the garden.

The afternoons programme was organized by the Lay Buddhist Assosiation.