The full-moon day of Asalha month marks the occasion when the Buddha first preached the “Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta” to His five disciples gathered in Benares.

The full-moon day of Asalha month in July marks the occasion when the Buddha first preached the Dhamma to His initial few disciples.  In one of the most enlightening teachings ever, the Buddha taught them the truths of life – ‘Dukkha’ (suffering); its causes; its cessation; and the Path to its cessation – henceforth termed the ‘Four Noble Truths’.  At Nalanda, Asalha full-moon is celebrated as ‘Dhamma Day’, which is another important spiritual occasion after the Wesak full-moon ‘Buddha Day’ in May.

This year, we are honoured to have both Bro. Tan and Achariya Vijaya giving talks at Nalanda Centre.  The Asalha ‘Dhamma Day’ observance programme is as follows:

Saturday, 16 July | 8.30 am – ‘Pindacāra’ in Seri Kembangan

We invite everyone to offer alms-food to venerable Sangha members before they enter the 3-month ‘Vassana’ period (Rains retreat for monastics).

Sunday, 17 July | 9.00 am – “Dhammacakka Day”

Nalanda founder Bro. Tan will deliver the last Gimhāna Retreat Sunday teaching which will touch on the subject of wisdom and liberation from suffering.  This will be followed by lunch dāna for venerable monks.

Monday, 18 July | 8.00 pm – ‘Dhamma Day’

Asalha full-moon ‘Dhamma Day’ will be celebrated with offerings of flowers and candles, chanting, meditation, and a Dhamma talk by Achariya Vijaya Samarawickrama.

Wednesday, 20 July | 8.00 pm – Meditation to mark the conclusion of Gimhāna Retreat

The last day of this year’s Gimhāna (summer) Retreat will be observed with meditation, Dhamma teaching by Bro.Tan, and transference of merits.

We welcome everyone to participate in the programmes above, and enjoy the peace and spiritual happiness here at Nalanda Centre.  Kindly share this information with your friends, and better still, bring them along this Asalha ‘Dhamma Day’ period.  Thank you and mettā!