Asalha Puja: A Day of Buddhist Significance

Asalha Puja, also known as Dhamma Day, is a significant Buddhist festival celebrated primarily in Theravada Buddhist countries. The name “Asalha Puja” comes from the Pali month of Asalha, which roughly corresponds to July. “Puja” means “offering” or “worship.” This special day commemorates several important events in Buddhist history that occurred during the Buddha’s time.

The most important event celebrated on Asalha Puja is the Buddha’s first sermon, delivered in the Deer Park at Sarnath, near Varanasi, India, after attaining enlightenment. This sermon, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, or “Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dharma,” introduced the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. These core teachings form the foundation of Buddhist philosophy and practice, offering a path to liberation from suffering.

The Four Noble Truths, as expounded in the first sermon, address the nature of suffering (dukkha), its origin (samudaya), its cessation (nirodha), and the path leading to its cessation (magga). The Eightfold Path, which provides practical guidelines for achieving enlightenment, encompasses right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

In addition to the first sermon, Asalha Puja also commemorates the formation of the Sangha, the community of Buddhist monks and nuns. After hearing the Buddha’s first sermon, Kondanna, one of the five ascetics who had previously practiced with the Buddha, understood the teachings and requested ordination. Kondanna became the first Buddhist monk, marking the establishment of the Sangha. This is significant because the Sangha, along with the Buddha and the Dharma (the teachings), constitute the Three Jewels of Buddhism, the foundations upon which the faith rests.

The celebration of Asalha Puja typically involves various religious activities. Buddhists often visit temples to listen to sermons, offer alms to monks, participate in meditation, and reaffirm their commitment to the Buddhist path. Many observe the five precepts, which include abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxicants. Some may engage in more intensive practices, such as attending retreats or studying Buddhist texts.

Candlelight processions, known as Wien Tien in Thailand, are a common sight on Asalha Puja. These processions involve walking around a temple three times in a clockwise direction, symbolizing reverence for the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, while carrying candles, incense, and flowers. The illuminated procession represents the light of wisdom and compassion spreading throughout the world.

Asalha Puja serves as a reminder of the Buddha’s profound teachings and the importance of living a life of mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom. It is a time for reflection, renewal, and recommitment to the path of enlightenment. By commemorating these pivotal events in Buddhist history, Asalha Puja reinforces the enduring relevance of the Buddha’s message for individuals and societies seeking peace and well-being.