FULL MOON POYA DAYS
JANUARY Full Moon POYA DAY- ( DURUTHU POYA )
The January Full Moon Poya Day is significant for marking the Buddha’s first sermon, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (The Discourse on the Turning of the Wheel of Dharma). This sermon was delivered by the Buddha to his first five disciples in Benares (Varanasi), shortly after his enlightenment.
In this sermon, the Buddha introduced the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, which form the foundation of Buddhist teachings. This event is considered the “Turning of the Wheel of Dharma,” as it marks the beginning of the Buddha’s public teaching of the Dharma (his teachings on the nature of suffering and the path to liberation).
FEBRUARY Full Moon POYA DAY- (NAVAM)
The February Full Moon Poya Day known as Navam Poya, is one of the most important and significant days in the Buddhist calendar. It commemorates two key events:
- The Appointment of the Buddha’s Chief Disciples: On this day, the Buddha appointed Sariputta as the chief disciple of wisdom and Moggallana as the chief disciple of psychic powers. These appointments were crucial in establishing the leadership and structure of the Sangha (the community of monks) and ensuring that the teachings of the Buddha would be passed on effectively.
- The Establishment of the Bhikkhuni Sangha: Navam Poya also marks the establishment of the Bhikkhuni Sangha, the order of nuns. The Buddha allowed women to be ordained as nuns, which was a significant step in making Buddhism more inclusive and providing women the opportunity to fully participate in the monastic community.