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Poya Day

Katina Ceromony

Meditation -  in Sinhala

Open Meditation - in English

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Daily Religious Services at 6:30 PM 7:30 PM

Poya Day

FULL MOON [UPOSATHA] DAYS OF THE YEAR

It was an Ancient Indian tradition to set their calender according to the phases of the moon. The Buddha adopted this tradition and encouraged his lay followers, to set aside, especially, on full moon days, to ease themselves from their daily routines and engage in religious observances. This tradition has been handed down through the ages, from generation to generation, and Buddhists all over the world, follow it.

However, with their schedules at their work-places, lay Buddhists in Western Countries find it difficult to to practice their religious observances, exactly, according to the phases of the moon. As a result of this situation, lay Buddhists in Western Countries make the prudent change to a week-end closest to the designated date- a Saturday. Sunday or a holiday. View program

IMPORTANT EVENTS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH FULL MOON DAY

Duruthu [January] Full Moon Day.

This Poya Day recognizes Buddha's First Visit to Sri Lanka.

Navam [February] Full Moon Day

This day commemorates the day on which his two Chief Disciples, [Arahanths Sariputta and Moggallana] joined the order of monks  [Bhikkus]. Navam [February] Poya day is also considered the day on which the Rules of Conduct [Vinaya] wer set in motion.

Medin [March] Full Moon Day

The is said to have visited his father, King Suddodhana, who had become a Lay Follower of the Buddha, and explained his Teachings of him.

Nikini Full Moon Day is recognized as the day on which the Buddha commenced explaining his teachings to his mother who, at that time, was in a Heavenly Abode.

Binara [September] Full Moon Day

This day is remembered as the day of Buddha's second visit to his mother. Maha Prajapathi Gothami is said to have requested the establishment of an Order of Buddhist Nuns {Bhikkuni].

Vap [October} Full Moon Day

This day is set aside to commemorate the Teaching of Abhidhamma [metaphysics] concepts to his mother. It is also the day on which it is said that the Order of Nuns {Bhikkuni] was established.

This day marks the conclusion of the conclusion of the Rainy Season [Retreats]. This is a very important Poya Day when new robes are offered to the monks.

Unduvap [December] Full Moon Day

This Ful Moon Day is remembered as the day on which Arahant Bhikkuni Sanghamittha, daughter of King Asoka of India, is said to have arriver in Sri Lanka with a sapling of the Great Bodhi Tree. It is a very important day in the Sri Lankan Buddhist calendar.