The Asaha Puja Day is one
of the most sacred days in Buddhism. It is observed on the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eight lunar
months (July). It is an anniversary of the day on which Lord
Buddha delivered his first Sermon to his five disciples at the Deer Park
in Benares over two thousand
five hundred years ago. The day also marks the beginning of the
worship of the Triple Gems, namely:
the Lord Buddha, His Teachings and His Disciples.
To observe this auspicious day, Buddhists
all over the country perform the merit making and observe Silas. There
are many activities in the family during this holiday like cleaning the
house, hoisting the flag, and setting up an altar for religious ceremonies. Family
members discuss problems in the family by taking the middle way as a guiding
principle to abstain from sin, and reduce
the way of ruin. They are practicing the Dhamma in the temple, observing
the precepts, praying to the triple gem, listening to
the sermon and joining a candle procession around the temple not only
as the family's activities but also as schools. In
school, teachers and students mount exhibitions, prepare posters or picture notebooks on the religious holiday. They also help students in
organizing essay contests, and Dhamma Quiz programs
so that they have an opportunity to
describe the importance of the day and explain the Dhamma and
they also introduce activities to demonstrate good and bad conduct, and
Toppan activities which will improve the students' behavior.
Various of institutions like schools and
universities, including public and private organizations organize a colorful candle
procession leading to a temple where the offering of the candles where
be made.
Some Buddhist followers consider
the beginning of Buddhist Lent as a time
for making resolution suchas refraining
from smoking or observing five precepts
throughout the three-month Raisins Retreat.
The Buddhists understand the importance
of Asalha Bhucha Day, and the principles of Dhamma and Pavarana, and the way to practice them.
They do a good preparation for
the Buddhist Lent to consider the value of the way of life along with
the principles of Dhamma and Pavarana.
The Buddhists can practice
their faith and get a good understanding on the importance of Buddhism. The
Buddhists can be good religious people who understand the duties of the
Buddhists in a right way.
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