Sri Lanka Nikini Full Moon Poya Date: August 24
Sri Lanka celebrates Nikini Full Moon Poya as a public holiday.
Sri Lanka Nikini Full Moon Poya History
The rainy season starts in the Indian sub continent in the Esala month (between July and August). It is during this time that the bhikkus (Buddhist monks) sojourn from meditation since they cannot meditate under trees and forests and it is very cold in the mountains i.e. the Himalayas at that period. Most of the monks sojourn in the Esala full moon poya but those monks who do not do so can sojourn from their meditation in the full moon poya. The period of sojourn is known as the “Vas’ period and the sojourn commencement during the Nikini Poya is known as the “Pasu Vas” period.
The commencement of “Pasu Vas” or the Nikini Poya is carried due to an enactment known as the “Santhaha Karanaya”. This act came into force during the time the monks used to meditate even during the rainy season giving extreme pain to themselves. The people criticized this type of penance. Due to this protest “King Bhimsara” the then ruler of “Rajagaha Nuwara” requested Buddha on Nikini Poya day to stop penance during the rainy season, for which he agreed. From then onwards Nikini full moon poya started to be celebrated as the beginning of the “Pasu Vas.”
Three months after the Buddha’s “parinibbana”, full moon day was the one when the 1st Dharma Sangayana – convocation for settling the Buddhist Canon was held. It all started after Subaddha, a monk, consoled the monks after the “parinibbana” of the Buddha. All the monks, who did not attain “Arahatship”, mourned excepting him. He asked other monks for being happy (and not mourn) since there was none following Buddha for give them the orders. Due to this incident the “Maha Sangha” led by “Maha Kasyapa Thera” sought out the probable problems that may result in the community leading to the first Dharma sangayana.
Another incident took place on this day when an elephant started chasing the Buddha. Ananda Maha Thera, his chief attendant, came in front of the elephant in order to save the Buddha. This was due to this incident that he attained Arahatship.
Sri Lanka Nikini Full Moon Poya Traditions and Activities
Nikini Poya comes a month after the Esala full moon day i.e. the commencement of the rainy season and generally falls during August in the Gregorian calendar. However, on 2009 it will be celebrated on 6 August. This day is of great joy and delight for many.
Other interesting posts:
- Sri Lanka Celebrates Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day
- Duruthu Perahera is a public holiday in Sri Lanka
- Cambodian Theravada Buddhists Celebrate Makha Bucha Day
- Buddha’s First Sermon
- Parinirvana is a religious observance for Buddhists
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