Asalha Puja (also known as Dharma Day) approaches - 5 August, 2018

Find out about Asalha Puja here

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Phra Ajan_Jerapunyo 

Abbot of Watkungtaphao

DHARMA DAY: Asalha Puja commemorates the first sermon of the Buddha. (Theravadan Tradition)

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JULY 15, 2017: ASALHA PUJA; BEGINNING OF VASSA (THERAVADA)

 Buddhist monks in Laos pray in thanks for the alms they receive to begin Vassa, called Khao Phansa in Laotian. David Greedy/Getty Images

Sometimes called "Dharma Day," Asalha Puja commemorates the first sermon of the Buddha. This is the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta , meaning the sutra (sermon of the Buddha) "setting the wheel of dhamma [dharma] in motion." In this sermon, the Buddha explained his doctrine of the Four Noble Truths.

Vassa, the Rains Retreat, begins the day after Asalha Puja. During Vassa, monks remain in monasteries and intensify their meditation practice. Laypeople participate by bringing food, candles and other necessities to monks. They also sometimes give up eating meat, smoking, or luxuries during Vassa, which is why Vassa is sometimes called the "Buddhist Lent."

Dharma Day - Asalha Puja Day - 2 July 2015

 Asalha Puja Day ("Dhamma Day")

July 2

Asalha Puja means to pay homage to the Buddha on the full moon day of the 8th lunar month (approximately July). It commemorates the Buddha's first teaching: the turning of the wheel of the Dhamma (Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta) to the five ascetics at the Deer Park (Sarnath) near Benares city, India. Where Kondanna, the senior ascetic attained the first level of enlightenment (the Sotapanna level of mind purity). This day is commemorated in the Theravadan Buddhist tradition.

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