Asalha Puja Day commemorates the Buddha's first sermon to the five ascetics, marking significant events in Buddhism including the enlightenment of the first disciple and the establishment of the monastic community. This day emphasizes the importance of the Noble Eightfold Path and the teachings of the Buddha.
Asalha Puja Day is a pivotal occasion in Buddhism, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth waxing moon. This day commemorates four significant events that occurred during the time of the Lord Buddha, each contributing to the foundation of Buddhist teachings and the establishment of the monastic community.
The First Sermon: The day marks the occasion of the Buddha's first sermon delivered to the five ascetics in the Iowan forest near Banaras. This sermon laid the groundwork for Buddhist teachings and introduced the core principles of the Dharma.
Enlightenment of the First Disciple: On this day, the Buddha's first disciple, Candana, attained enlightenment, becoming the first stream-winner in Buddhism. This event signifies the beginning of the Buddha's teaching mission and the spread of his insights.
Ordination of the First Monk: Following his enlightenment, Candana requested ordination, and the Buddha ordained him as the first monk in Buddhism. This act established the monastic community, which plays a crucial role in preserving and disseminating the Buddha's teachings.
Birth of the Triple Gem: Asalha Puja Day also marks the birth of the Triple Gem, which includes the Buddha, the Dharma (the teachings), and the Sangha (the community of monks). This concept is central to Buddhist practice and belief, representing the refuge that practitioners seek.
After attaining enlightenment, the Buddha spent seven weeks in blissful meditation. However, he became concerned that his profound insights might be too difficult for others to grasp, especially those burdened with defilements. The Brahma King, Siham, recognizing the Buddha's concern, urged him to share his teachings, as there were still beings who could benefit from his wisdom.
Using his divine vision, the Buddha assessed the beings trapped in the three worlds. He observed a range of defilements among them, akin to lotus plants growing in varying depths of water. Some were ready to learn, while others were not. Ultimately, the Buddha decided to teach the five ascetics, who had previously cared for him during his time as a bodhisattva.
Upon seeing the Buddha approach, the five ascetics initially dismissed him, believing he had abandoned his practice of self-mortification out of greed. However, as the Buddha drew near, his presence compelled them to welcome him, despite their earlier agreement to ignore him.
The ascetics addressed the Buddha inappropriately, using his name and an inferior title. In response, the Buddha asserted his enlightenment and urged them to listen to his teachings. He emphasized that he had attained enlightenment independently and was not motivated by greed.
During his first sermon, the Buddha articulated two critical points:
Rejection of Sensual Pleasures: He taught that indulgence in sensual pleasures is not suitable for holy individuals and offers no true benefit.
Rejection of Self-Mortification: The Buddha also denounced the practice of self-mortification, asserting that it does not lead to enlightenment.
Instead, he introduced the Noble Eightfold Path as the middle way, which leads to enlightenment and liberation from suffering.
At the conclusion of the sermon, one of the ascetics, Candana, understood the teachings and became enlightened as a stream-winner. This marked the completion of the Triple Gem, as the first monk was ordained, and the teachings began to resonate throughout the universe.
Celestial beings from various realms celebrated the Buddha's teachings, and the significance of this day echoed across countless universes, illuminating the path for future practitioners.
Asalha Puja Day serves as a reminder for all Buddhists to deepen their faith in the Triple Gem and commit to practicing meditation. By following the teachings of the Buddha, practitioners can aspire to attain enlightenment and contribute to the ongoing legacy of the Dharma. This day not only commemorates the Buddha's first sermon but also inspires a renewed dedication to the principles of Buddhism, encouraging individuals to seek the Dhamma and cultivate their spiritual paths.
