ASALHA PUJA DAY

Asalha Puja Day is the day that the Buddha attained enlightenment at Buddha-Gaya (Bodh-Gaya) on the fullmoon of Visakha. He delivered the first discourse to his first five disciples: Kondanna, Vappa, Bhaddiya, Mahanama, and Assaji. This epoch-making incident marks the establishment of the Buddhist religion by the Buddha.

It was on the fullmoon of Asalha, the eighth lunar month that the first discourse was delivered. At the end of the sermon, Kondanna attained the Eye of Truth; the Order of Sangha was initiated and the Holy Triple Gem became complete. There are three reasons why Buddhists celebrate the Asalha Puja Day:

The name of the first discourse is Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. Dhammacakka means the wheel of Dhamma and the whole word means setting into Motion the Wheel of Dhamma. Sutta means a discourse. The main theme of the first sermon is the four Truths: suffering (dukkha), the cause of suffering, the end of suffering, and the way to the end of suffering. These Truths are universal and invariably valid at all time and in all places. They are therefore known as the Four Noble Truths (Cattari Ariyasaccani).

The first Truth states that existence is unsatisfactory, incomplete, empty, subject to change and undesirable. Because of this we have to suffer one way or another. For example, we cannot be happy at all time even if we want to. Men are born, grow old, become weak, and die. There are times when we have to be separated from those we love and care for. All these and other undesirable elements are the conditions of life.

The second Truth explains the cause of suffering. Everything that exists comes under the law of cause and effect. This law operates in all spheres and at all levels of existence. Suffering can be removed, according to this law, by destroying its causes.

The third and the fourth Truths offer the way out of suffering. Nibbana is the end of suffering. It is the state of perfect calm and bliss, the ultimate freedom from all forms of suffering. One can reach this state by following the Eightfold Path, also known as the Middle Way (fourth Truth), which are, Right Understanding, Right Thought, Right speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. This is the way of true happiness. This is the way we all should follow.