Asalha Puja Day, also referred to as Dharma Day, is one of the most important holy days for Buddhists. This day of celebration and new beginnings typically falls in July, on the full moon of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. Asalha Puja Day commemorates the establishment of Buddhism. It represents the day that Buddha gave his first sermon as well as other foundational aspects; therefore, this celebration is beloved among Buddhist people.
Believers hoping to share the gospel with their Buddhist friends should understand this significant holiday.
Buddhism’s founder and leader, Buddha, was believed to be a wealthy prince before leaving his life of luxury to live a life of self-discipline and discovery. During the following six years, it is believed that Buddha accomplished enlightenment on his own. According to Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard, enlightenment is defined as, “a state of perfect knowledge or wisdom, combined with infinite compassion.” Following his enlightenment, Buddha sought out five disciples to entrust his findings to. The sermon he preached to them is recognized as the beginning of Buddhism.
Asalha Puja Day celebrates the first of Buddha’s teaching and the foundation of Buddhism. During his first sermon, it is believed that Buddha shared four noble truths as well as the first Wheel of Dharma (dharma means truth or “path to enlightenment”), which are still honored in modern-day Buddhism. Buddhists believe these core teachings lead to a life of nirvana and enlightenment. Andrew Olendzki, a professor at Lesley University, defines Nirvana as “the highest state of profound well-being a human is capable of attaining. The mind awakens from delusion, is liberated from bondage, is cleansed of all its defilements, becomes entirely at peace, experiences the complete cessation of suffering, and is no longer reborn.” Asalha Puja Day offers Buddhists a chance to show their appreciation to the Buddha for sharing his knowledge with them and other teachers.
Buddhist monks play a large role in celebrating Asalha Puja Day. They recite the eight precepts, teach sermons, lead meditation, perform chants, and facilitate candle-lit precessions around their temples. Monks perform a chant of what is said to be Buddha’s first teaching. Asalha Puja Day also marks the start of a three-month mandatory retreat for monks. Buddhist people visit temples on this day to pray, meditate, listen to sermons, and give offerings. This is a day of new beginnings, renewal, and recommitment to the faith for Buddhists. They reflect and try to focus on practicing dharma.
Sourced from https://blog.eastwest.org/what-is-asalha-puja-day
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