Buddhism
Festivals and Special Days in Buddhism
Uposatha Observance Days
Uposatha days are times of renewed dedication to Dhamma
practice, observed by lay followers and monastics throughout the world of
Theravada Buddhism.
For monastics, these are often days of more intensive
reflection and meditation. In many monasteries physical labor (construction
projects, repairs, etc.) is curtailed. On New Moon and Full Moon days the
fortnightly confession and recitation of the Bhikkhu Patimokkha
(monastic rules of conduct) takes place.
Lay people observe the Eight Precepts on Uposatha
days, as a support for meditation practice and as a way to re-energize
commitment to the Dhamma. Whenever possible, lay people use these days as an
opportunity to visit the local monastery, in order to make special offerings
to the Sangha, to listen to Dhamma, and to practice meditation with Dhamma
companions late into the night. For those not closely affiliated with a
local monastery, it can simply be an opportunity to step up one's efforts in
meditation, while drawing on the invisible support of millions of other
practicing Buddhists around the world.
The calendar of Uposatha days is calculated using a
complex traditional formula that is loosely based on the lunar calendar,
with the result that the dates do not always coincide with the actual
astronomical dates. To further complicate matters, each sect within
Theravada Buddhism tends to follow a slightly different calendar.
Several full-moon Uposatha days hold special significance
in the Buddhist calendar:
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This day, sometimes called "Sangha Day," commemorates
the spontaneous assembly of 1,250 arahants in the Buddha's presence. One
thousand of the gathered monks had previously achieved Awakening upon
hearing the Buddha's delivery of the Fire Sermon; the remaining 250 were
followers of the elder monks Ven. Moggallana and Ven. Sariputta. To mark
this auspicious gathering, the Buddha delivered the Ovada-Patimokkha
Gatha, a summary of the main points of the Dhamma, which the
Buddha gave to the assembly before sending them out to proclaim the
doctrine.
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This day, sometimes called "Buddha Day," commemorates
three key events in the Buddha's life that took place on this full-moon
day: his birth, Awakening, and final Unbinding (parinibbana).
-
This day, sometimes called "Dhamma Day," commemorates
the Buddha's first discourse, which he gave to the group of five
monks with whom he had practiced in the forest for many years. Upon
hearing this discourse, one of the monks ( Ven. Kondañña) gained his first
glimpse of Nibbana, thus giving birth to the Noble Sangha. The
annual Rains retreat (vassa) begins the following day.
-
This day marks the end of the Rains retreat (vassa).
In the following month, the kathina ceremony is held, during which
the laity gather to make formal offerings of robe cloth and other
requisites to the Sangha.
-
At the end of one rains retreat (vassa), the
Buddha was so pleased with the progress of the assembled monks that he
encouraged them to extend their retreat for yet another month. On the
full-moon day marking the end of that fourth month of retreat, he
presented his instructions on mindfulness of breathing (anapanasati),
which may be found in the Anapanasati Sutta (MN 118) — The Discourse on
Mindfulness of Breathing.
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