Asalaha Puja Day Ceremony (Sangha Day) & Khao Pansa Day (The Beginning Day of the Annual Rains Retreat)
You are invited to attend: Asalaha Puja Day Ceremony (Sangha Day Celebration) & Khao Pansa Day (The Beginning Day of the Annual Rains Retreat)
Sunday, July 22, 2018 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
At Wat Buddhametta: 1133 S. Swan Road, Tucson, AZ 85711, 520-745-4624
All friends of Wat Buddhametta are invited to attend and are welcome to bring food, fruit, etc. for the Alms Offering or a prepared dish to share at lunch.
Asalaha Puja Day One of the major Buddhist holidays, this falls on the full moon day of the 8th lunar month. On this day the Buddha delivered the First Sermon to the group of five ascetics. This group lived in a forest named the Deer Park near Varanasi, India over 2,600 years ago. The first sermon was called the “Discourse on Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion.” Not long after that, the leader of the five ascetics, "Kondanna", was ordained and became the FIRST MONK in Buddhism. This day thus became the day for honoring the Sangha (the community of monks).
Khao Pansa Day - The day following the Asalaha full moon is called "Rains Retreat Day." It is a monastic observance that originated in the time of the Lord Buddha. Normally, at that time, monks did not stay in one place but moved around spreading the Buddha's teachings. At this time of year monsoon winds bring torrential rains and farmers cultivate their land and grow rice. To avoid unintentionally damaging the newly-planted rice, the custom of ascetics staying in one place at this time was practiced in India long before the time of the Buddha. The Buddha thought this rule fitting for the Sangha as well. Accordingly, monks remain at a certain place, preferably a monastery, for a period of three months, starting the day following Asalaha. Lay Buddhists may also apply this monastic practice to their lives in order to perform merit and support the Buddhist monks during this period of time.
“The Loving-Kindness Fund Campaign” continues in the hopes of raising money to pay down our mortgage. Our goal in 2018 is to raise $20,000 via pledges of $100.00 each. If you would like to donate to this worthy cause, please consider doing so at this time. Make your donation (checks) to “Wat Buddhametta” or “Tucson Buddhist Meditation Center.” We also accept cash and your entire donation is tax deductible. You may also pledge your donation online at www.tucsonbuddhistcenter.org
Schedule of the Ceremony
09:30 a.m. Gathering of the community at Wat Buddhametta
10:00 a.m. Morning Chanting to the Triple Gem by the monks and lay community
10:45 a.m. The Alms Offering to the Sangha
11:15 a.m. Lunch Offering to the Sangha
12:00 a.m. Lunch for lay Buddhists and guests
01:00 p.m. Sermon by the Abbot in Thai & English
01:30 p.m. The Offerings to the Sangha (robes, incense, etc.) followed by the Blessing
02:00 p.m. The Asalaha Puja Candlelight Procession and ending of the ceremony
May all benefit and May you be well and happy
Ajahn Sarayut Arnanta
Abbot of Wat Buddhametta