The Buddha preached the celebrated ‘Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta’ on Asalha full-moon day.

Today is the full-moon day of Asalha month, which marks the occasion when the Buddha first taught the Dhamma after His Enlightenment.  He spoke about the ‘Four Noble Truths’ – of ‘Dukkha’ (suffering); its causes; its cessation; and the Path to its cessation – to His first five disciples at Isipatana.  That sermon which the Buddha gave became known as the famed ‘Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta’ – the ‘Discourse on turning the Wheel of Dhamma’.

At Nalanda, Asalha full-moon is termed ‘Dhamma Day’, which is the second most celebrated spiritual occasion after Wesak ‘Buddha Day’ in May.  This evening, we have invited Achariya Vijaya Samarawickrama, Chairman of Nalanda Education Committee, to deliver a Dhamma talk during the Uposatha Service which begins at 8.00pm.  We shall also be offering flowers and candles, meditate, and recite the inspiring ‘Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta’.

After today’s full-moon observance, Theravada bhikkhus will be commencing their 3-month ‘Vassana’ or ‘Rains retreat’.  To know more about this ancient tradition, please read the introductory article at ‘Rains retreat’

We welcome everyone to participate in this auspicious Asalha full-moon ‘Dhamma Day’ service at Nalanda Centre tonight.  Looking forward to seeing you!