Tuesday July 23, 2013.
Known as Asanha Bucha in Thailand, Thai: р╕нр╕▓р╕кр╕▓р╕мр╕лр╕ р╕╣р╕Кр╕▓ is a Theravada Buddhist festival which typically takes place in July, on the full moon of the eighth lunar month.
Also known as Dhamma Day, is one of Theravada BuddhismтАЩs most important festivals, celebrating as it does the BuddhaтАЩs first sermon in which he set out to his five former associates the doctrine that had come to him following his enlightenment.
This first pivotal sermon, often referred to as тАЬsetting into motion the wheel of dhamma,тАЭ is the teaching which is encapsulated for Buddhists in the four noble truths:
1. All life is suffering (dukka);
2. Suffering is caused by craving (tanha);
3. There is a state (nibbana) beyond suffering and craving;
4. The way to nibbana is via the eightfold path.
Whatever differences there may be between various schools and traditions of Buddhism, they all revolve around the central doctrine of the four noble truths.
This first sermon is not only the first structured discourse given by the Buddha after his enlightenment, it also contains the essence of all his subsequent teaching. At the end of the talk, one of the five participants recounted his understanding of what had been said and asked to be received as a disciple, a request the Buddha granted, thus establishing the first order of monks.
The sermon in the Deer Park as depicted at Wat Chedi Liem, Thailand
The day is observed by donating offerings to temples and listening to sermons.
The following day is known in Thailand as: р╕зр╕▒р╕Щр╣Ар╕Вр╣Йр╕ р╕Юр╕гр╕гр╕йр╕▓ Wan Khao Phansa;
It is the first day of : р╕Юр╕гр╕гр╕йр╕▓ vassa, the Theravada rains retreat.
In Indonesia, this festival is centered at Mendut Temple, near Borobudur.
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