| Oct 17 | Full Moon in October | Abhidhamma Day
The Festival of Lights
The Full Moon Day of Thadingyut (October) is
of special significance to the Buddhists, not because it
is the end of the Rains Retreat (Vassa ) but because it
highlights one of the most important events in the life
of Gotama Buddha.
According to Buddhist chronicles, the Tathagata
or Buddha, the Enlightened One, went to the Tavatimsa
Heaven to preach Abhidhamma (Higher Subtleties of
the Dhamma) to His mother, who passed away seven
days after His birth and was reborn in the Tusita Heaven
as a Deva called Santussita.
The Buddha propounded Abhidhamma for the
first time there in the presence of Santussita and other
Devas for 90 days. At the end of the Rains Retreat
(Vassa) i.e. on the Full Moon Day of Thadingyut, the
Tathagata descended to earth (to the human abode) at
the city of Sankassa.
Now Buddhists observe Abhidhamma Day annually
in commemoration of the Buddha’s return from
the abode of celestials to that of human beings. It is a
significant religious occasion as the Abhidhamma is
really the golden knowledge which will help one to discard
wrong views and to acquire the right views for
one’s total liberation from all miseries. Buddhists offer
lights to the Buddha image and perform meritorious
deeds on this day in accordance with the tradition which
has been upheld since the life time of the Buddha.
The Festival of Lights in the month of
Thadingyut (October) may seem an occasion for
rejoicing and merry-making but in essence, it is an
auspicious occasion for spiritual delight and merit
making.
All are welcome |
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