Full moon poya days are observed as spiritually significant days by the Buddhist devotees. The Wesak Poya Day, being the day of Triple Significance of the life of Tathagata Gautama, is most sacred.
In Sri Lanka, Poson Poya Day too, is historically commemorated to venerate the arrival of Arahant Maha Mahendra.
The seven member Royal delegation sent by Emperor Dharmasoka, appeared at the Missaca Pawwa (Mihintale), on a Poson Poya Day 2331 years ago.
The King Devanampiyatissa, and the members of the Royal family readily embraced the sublime doctrine of the Buddha, having listened to the sermon delivered by Arahant Maha Mahendra.
There upon the nation at large embraced Buddha’s teachings.
The appearance of a Buddha, in this world is a glorious and unique event. A Buddha appears out of compassion for suffering masses.
“O Bikkhus whether a Tathagata, appears or not, it remains a fact, an established principle, a natural law, that all conditioned things are transient (Anicca), sorrowful (Dukkha), and everything else is soulless (Anatta). This phenomenon, the Tathagata realizes, understands and when he has realized and understood it, announces, teaches, proclaims, establishes, discloses, analyses and makes it clear, that all conditioned things are transient sorrowful and that everything is soulless.
Out of total 217 precepts we observe ‘Pansil’(fire precepts) daily. On full moon Poya days we observe ‘Ata Sil’. Thus, we can develop more precepts such as ten precepts Dasa Sil as Bhikkhunis.
By observing whatever ‘Sil’ we profess purity of thoughts, words and deeds towards sublime attitudes viz.
Metta- (benevolence and love, hoping for your own welfare and that of all other living beings).
(Karuna - (compassion for yourself and others).
Mudita-(appreciation, taking delight in your own goodness as well as others).
Upekkha - (equanimity in the face of those things that should be let be).
Ever since “Mahindagamanaya”, Buddhists observe sil. A devotee or an aspirant by observing the five precepts (pansil), eight precepts (Atasil) or ten precepts (Dasasil), or all together 217 precepts seeks Samadhi.
Samadhi is concentration, the act of keeping the mind centered or intent on a single preoccupation. When the mind is conditioned, gradually step by step, first momentary concentration, then Threshold concentration followed by Fixed penetration will lead the aspirants to higher levels of Jahana.
In Buddhism a main principle is;
“Sabba Papassa Akaranam – Kusalassa Upasampada
Sachittapariyo Dapanam –
Etam Buddhana Sasanam”
To cease from all evil
To cultivate good
To purify one’s mind
This is the advice of all Buddhas
As a routine practice devotees daily observe five precepts (Pansil).
1. Panatipata Veramani Sikkhapadam Samadiyami
There by undertake to abstain from Destroying the life of beings
2. Adinnadana Veramani Sikkhapadam Samadiyami
By the 2nd precept one undertakes to abstain from stealing or taking what is not given.
3. Kamesu Michchacara Veramani Sikkhapadam Samadiyami
One undertakes to abstain from sexual misconduct.
4. Musavada Veramani Sikkhapadam Samadiyami
One undertakes to abstain from false speech.
5. Surameraya Majja Pamadatthana Veramani Sikkhapadam Samadiyami
One undertakes abstaining from taking spirituous drinks.
However, on full moon poya days the aspirants (Upasakas) proceed further by observing eight precepts.
Accordingly by the 6th precept the aspirant undertakes abstain from taking food at an unreasonable hour.
The 7th precept of ‘Ata Sil’, means “Nacca – gita – vadita – visukadassana – mala ganda – vilepana – darana – mandana – vibhusanattana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami”
By this precept the aspirant (upasaka), under takes to abstain from “Dancing, Singing, Music and assembly show”.
By the 8th precept the ‘upasaka’ undertakes to abstain from the use of garlands, perfumes and unguents.
By the last precepts 9th, the upasaka undertakes to observe the precept to abstain from using high and luxurious seats.
In Ata Sil the aspirant undertakes to observe two more precepts.
By undertaking precept “Uccasayana – Mahasayaa – Veramani – Sikkhapadam – Samadiyami”. There by the aspirant undertakes abstain from using high and low seats.
In salutation to the Enlightened One!, Buddhists concentrate on the super
powers of the Buddha (Nava Arahadi Guna).
“Itipiso Bhagava: Araham, Samma – Sambuddho, Vijjacharana – Sampanno, Sugato, Loka Vidu, Anutharo Purisa Dhamma Sarathi, Satta Deva – Manussanam, Buddho, Bhagavati”.
More than obeisance Buddhism is meant to be self-realized and followed.
(The writer can be reached at Journalist.nkl@gmail.com)
