Sri Puññasara Dhamma School Galle

Today is Il Full Moon Poya Day 🙏

“Il” is the penultimate poya of the year....
& the last poya of the Vassana season (rain retreat).
Katina Pinkama...
One of the most meritorious deeds in Buddhism...
ends with this poya.
By the 1st Il poya day....
after Buddha’s Enlightenment....
there were 61 Arahants
including the five Brahmin ascetics...
Kondanna, Bhaddiya, Vappa, Mahanama & Assaji🙏
Next to be converted was Yasa....
son of a millionaire in Benares....
who met Buddha while going away from home....
after realizing the vanities of worldly life.
When Buddha expounded Dhamma....
Yasa, attained Arahantshipa🙏
Venerable Yasa had fifty four friends...
Having heard of Venerable Yasa’s conversion...
they too entered the Order and attained Arahantship🙏

Buddha rerquested the 60 Arahants....
to go forth for the good and happiness of the many... out of compassion for the world....
for the benefit and happiness of gods and men...
and to preach the sublime Dhamma....
which is excellent in the beginning...
in the middle and at the end 🙏
He told them....
that no two should go in a single direction.....
so that they could be of assistance...
to as many as possible🙏
”Caratha Bikkhawe Carikan.....
bahu jana Hitaya, Bahujana Sukhaya” 🙏

Buddha proceeded to Uruwela to be of service....
to the Kassapa brothers who lived in Aramayas....
along the river Neranjana.
The eldest Uruwela Kassapa lived....
in the upper part of the river with 500 followers.....
Nadi Kassapa who had 300 followers lived.....
in the middle part of the river....
and the youngest, Gaya Kassapa lived.....
in the lowest part of the river with 200 followers.
Buddha preached Dharma and all Jatila brothers...
and followers entered the priesthood🙏

Kassapa brothers could understand Buddha’s doctrine without much difficulty.
Buddha accompanied them to Gayasisa..
and preached the 'Aditta Pariyaya sutta'
all in flames hearing which all of them....
attained Arahantship🙏

In keeping with a promise made to King Bimbisara.... Buddha proceeded to Rajagaha Nuwara....
accompanied by 103 Arahants including....
Uruwela Kassapa, Nadi Kassapa and Gaya Kassapa. King Bimbisara went with a large following....
to receive the Buddha and pay respects to Him🙏

It was a difficult task for King Bimbisara to realize.... whether Buddha was a disciple of Arahant Kassapa...
or Arahant Kassapa was a disciple of the Buddha.
It so happened because....
Arahant Kassapa was held with high esteem....
as an ascetic.
In order to clear the King’s doubt....
Arahant Kassapa said that....
Buddha was a Unique One🙏
and his teacher and that he was His disciple.
In order to indicate that Buddha and Uruwela Kassapa were similarly converted in previous births too....
Buddha preached 'Maha Narada Kassapa Jatakaya'....

Having understood the Dhamma.....
King Bimbisara attained 'Sowan'....
the first of the four paths to Nirvana 🙏
He invited Buddha and His followers....
to his palace for Dana and.....
after offering Dana he also offered....
the Bamboo Grove - Veluwanaramaya...
for the use of the Buddha and His disciples🙏

'Devaharohana’ or ascend to heaven....
by Gautama Buddha also occurred on an Il poya day🙏

Il Poya Day was the day of receipt of permission.... (Niyatha Vivarana) by Bodhisatva Maitriya....
to be the next Enlightened One Maitriya Buddha🙏

The Buddha with his divine vision and insight....
predicted on Il poya day that....
in Benares there will be a kingdom....
known as Kethumathi and a king called Sanka.....
whose advisor Subrahamme....
and his wife Brahamawathi......
will be parents of Future Buddha Maitriya....
and that he will attain enlightenment....
under a Banyan Tree🙏

The foundation laying of the 1st stupa in Sri Lanka....
by King Devanampiyatissa took place....
on an Il Poya Day🙏
The “Aku Dhatu” of Buddha is treasured....
in this bell shaped Tuparama Pagoda🙏
Sri Lankan Buddhis pay homage to Thuparama....
at Anuradhapura on this Il poya day.

It was on an Il full moon poya day....
that Dharma Senadhipathi...
and one of the Buddha’s chief disciples...
Arahant Sariputta attained Parinibbana🙏
Arahant Sariputta was regarded as....
the most brilliant of the Buddha’s disciples....
who passed away during....
the lifetime of the Enlightened One🙏
Arahant Sariputta realized that....
he was close to attaining Nirvana....
and with Buddha’s permission.....
travelled with a retinue of bhikkhus....
to end his samsaric journey at the house of his birth.
His mother Rupasari did not believe....
in the threefold refuge....
and remained heretic even in her old age.
Maha Thera preached to his mother....
the virtuous properties of the Buddha....
such as...
the moral conduct, intelligence, sense of liberation,.... knowledge of emancipation,meditation vision.....
and philosophy and loving kindness....
to convince her that....
Buddha was a unique peerless teacher....
and succeeded in converting Brahmani Rupasari...
from Brahmin faith to Buddhism🙏

After being of service to many.....
including his own mother to attain Sovan....
Arahant Sariaputta Maha Thera....
attained Parinibbana on an Il Full Moon Poya Day🙏

Have a Blessed il Full Moon Poya Day 🙏

෴Significance of Vap Pōya Day ෴

While a number of significant events took place on Vap, the following are of utmost significance.

1. Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis who observed vassāna or the annual rainy retreat end it today. It’s known as pavārana meaning termination. Today is the first day of the ‘Cīvara Māsa’ or month of robe offering during which lay Buddhists welcome vassāna-observing monastics back in the society by offering what is called ‘Kathina Robe.’ Kathina is the first and foremost puñña-kamma or meritorious act in Buddhist spirituality. Cīvara māsa ends on November Full Moon Pōya day.

2. Buddha bestowed the position of ‘disciple first and foremost in wisdom’ on Arhat Sāriputta, one of two Chief Male Disciples (aggassāvakā).

3. Vap Pōya marks “devāvarohana” or the Buddha’s descent into the city of Sankassa (Sankasya) from the Tāvatimsa heaven where He spent a full vassāna teaching Abhidhamma to His mother Mahāmāyā and other devās. Seven days after the delivery of her son Siddhartha she passed away and was reborn in the Tāvatimsa heaven. Buddha’s visit to her marks His debt payback to His mother by giving her the best gift- gift of Dhamma leading to spiritual enlightenment.

4. The bodhisattva who will be the next Buddha Metteyya (Maitreya) got ordained and received ‘niyata vivarana’ (confirmation of Buddhahood in the future) from Buddha Gōtama.

Wishing you all a blessed Vap Poya Day 🙏

෴Significance of Binara Poya Day෴

Buddha was a Philosophic genius, rolled into a single vigorous and radiant personality. He was a lover of men, women, animals and environment. He had things to say that no man or women, after 2500 years of bustling and hustling and chattering round the fountain of knowledge. Greater perhaps than his wisdom, was the example he set. He was a great teacher, philosopher, who in a way, emancipated the women folk in India by granting equal opportunities with men and the establishment of Bhikkuni order (order of the nuns). This event took place on a Binara Pura Pasalosvaka Poya Day. Today (Friday 16, September 2016) we celebrate this event. All temples will be flocked to the capacity. There will be Dana, Seela, Bhavana, and special religious ceremonies will be conducted.In the ancient times, India was known as the "Jambudipa" "The Island of the Rose-Apple". During this era, Indian society never recognised the strength and the value of women. Men were superior. This was their belief those days.



Establishment of Bhikkuni Order

The most significant event that happened on Binara Pura Pasalosvaka Poya day was the establishment of Bhikkuni Order (Admission of Nuns to the Buddhist Order). On the initiative of the Maha Prajapati Gotami, after many requests by her, the Buddha allowed the woman folk to enter the order.

Who is Maha Prajapati Gotami? She was the sister of Queen Mahamaya, mother of Prince Siddharta Gautama. She is the aunt of the Prince. Following Mahamaya’s passing away, seven days after the birth of Prince Siddharta, it was Maha Prajapati Gotami who brought up Prince Siddharta. According to the history of Buddhism, Maha Prajapati Gotami was the first Bhikkuni in Buddha Sasana. She entered the Order with five hundred princesses on a Binara Pura Pasalosvaka Poya Day and thus began the Bhikkuni Order.



Negotiator - Ananda Maha Thera

The Buddha turned down her request of entering the order thrice. The Buddha left the city of Kapilavastu and proceeded to Vesali and resided at Kutagara Hall. In the meantime, Maha Prajapati Gotami, with five hundred Princesses shaved their heads, wore as yellow robes, met Venerable Ananda Thera - the "Dharmabandagarika", Buddha's Cousin. Son of Amitodana, the brother of Suddodana. Ven Ananda Thera was a personal attendant to Gautama Buddha, whom everybody liked. Maha Prajapati Gotami, humbly requested Ven. Ananda to speak to the Enlightened one, and grant them permission for them to enter the Bhikkuni Order.Once again, Buddha turned down their request, made by Ananda Thera. Both Prajapati Gotami, thought Ven. Ananda Thera, consistently appealed to the Blessed One to grant permission. Considering kind appeals, at last Buddha granted permission to women folk to enter the Sasana. This permission was granted on a Binara Full Moon Poya Day.



Eight conditions - Garudharma

The enlightened one laid down eight important rules and conditions called Garudharma, or Code of Conduct, the Bhikkunis (Nuns) were instructed strictly to follow them.

They are:

(1) A Bhikkuni (Nun), even she attained the Upasampada or High Order, even 100 year ago, she should honour, worship a Buddhist Monk who obtained the High Ordination on that very day without considering the seniority. In this case, the date of the seniority was immaterial.
(2) The Bhikkunis should not perform Vas, or Rainy Retreat, where there are no Buddhist Monks.
(3) Every fortnight, Bhikkunis should take advise regarding the performing of the Buddhist monks.
(4) Bhikkunis should end their period of Vas Season or Rainy Retreat in front of an assembly of Bhikkus.
(5) A Bhikkuni, who performed a wrongly act, should performed duties for six months and look after both Bhikkunis and Bhikkus.
(6) A Bhikkuni should train as a novice for a period of a year and obtain her Higher Ordination (Upasampada) in the midst of a Bhikku Assembly.
(7) For no reasons or other a Bhikkuni (Nun) should not insult a Bhikku.
(8) Bhikkunis should never advice the Bhikkus but Buddhist monks are allowed to advise Bhikkunis or Nuns.



Buddha gave equal opportunity to women in Indian Society Freedom

The "Honourable Eight Rules of Ethnic & discipline indication of the Buddhist order that was maintained during the period of the Blessed One. These set of rules were laid for Bhikkunis to maintain discipline in the Sasana. The ancient Indian Society never gave equal opportunities in the society to women earlier. It was the Buddha, the great Mahapurisha or Great Teacher, that paved the way for their freedom.

The great "Dharmabandagarika" Ananda Thera, explained those "Eightfold conditions" laid by the blessed one to Maha prajapati Gotami and stated," if you accept and agree to follow the rules and regulations laid by Buddha, the Blessed One will grant permission for you all to enter the Bhikkuni Sasana or order.



Maha Prajapati in cloud nine

Maha Prajapati Gotami, the great kind hearted stepmother of Prince Siddharta Gautama Buddha, was in cloud nine. She was very happy in achieving her objective or mission at last. "Ven Ananda Thera Sir just as young men and women, bathe and adorn themselves with heaps of Jasmine flowers and then wear garlands of flowers, to do I accept the conditions laid down by the Gautama Buddha - the Enlightened one". She turned to the direction of the blessed one. She turned to the direction of the blessed one and worshiped.Thus, began the Bhikkuni Sasana or Order of the Nuns in the Buddha Sasana. It was a landmark in the history of women in the world. This great event took place on the day of Binara Pura Pasalosvaka Poya Day.Even today, all Buddhists in Sri Lanka and abroad celebrate this event on Binara Poya and take part in Buddhist Religious activities. The Buddhist Temples are filled to the capacity. Many observe Sil; listen to Dhamma Sermon; engage in seela; social activities, give alms to the needy poor people, free cattle who are to be slaughtered, and perform many religious acts on the peaceful and severe Binara Poya Day.



Sangamitta established Bhikkuni Sasana

With the advent of Buddhism to Sri Lanka during King Devanampiyatissa's era, the daughter of the Great Emperor Asoka's only daughter Sangamitta, brought the Bo-Sapling-Jayashri Mahabodhi to Anuradhapura and thus establish the Bhikkuni Sasana-Bhikkuni Order in Sri Lanka. It was her brother, Arahat Mahinda, who brought the greatest gift to Sri Lanka - Buddhism. Later Sangamitta, Asoka's sister, was responsible in establishing Bhikku Order or Bhikku Sasana in Sri Lanka. Today, very silently, sans any publicity, the Sri Lankan Bhikkunis contribute their share for the propagation in spreading the Message of Buddhism. Most of them are found in Buddhist Sacred areas, such as Anuradhapura, Kataragama, Kirivehera, Polonnaruwa, etc. They live very peaceful lives, performing religious rituals, delivering Dhamma Sermons, engage in Meditation and they play a prominent role in performing Bodhi Poojas. They live in Aramayas. The grateful Buddhist pilgrims in these areas provide alms to them. Once, Buddha in S.IV: 250 defined a virtuous women thus.

Such a virtuous lady, who possesses religious devotion, cultivates virtue, is endowed with wisdom and learning, makes a success of her life in this very existence. May all beings be happy. May the Triple bless you! The strong disbelief held by men in women's spiritual attainments, even after the recognised success by statement made by Buddha to Gotami when she visited him on the eve of death.

"O Gotami perform a miracle in order to dispel the wrong views of those foolish men who are in doubt with regard to the spiritual potentialities of women". This illustrates the spiritual strength of woman.

෴Significance of Nikini Poya Day ෴

Nikini full moon day falling due one month after the commencement of “Wassana Kala“the rainy season: is of special significance for Buddhists due to a number of incidents that took place on this day.

Attainment of Arahatship by the Buddha’s chief attendant, Ananda Maha Thera, commencement of the first Dhamma Sangayana, convocation to settle the Buddhist canon and “Pasu Vas” or the commencement of the “Vas” period by those who had not started the period of sojourn on the Esala full moon day are some of them. For Sri Lankans this day is further more significant because of the world famous Kandy Esala Perahera which normally ends on this day.

The rainy season in Dambadiva-India begins during the month of Esala (July – August). It is extremely cold in the snowy peaks of Himalayas and in the valleys where ascetics meditate under the shade of trees.

Due to cold weather and heavy rain it is not convenient for them to sit under trees and meditate. Even birds build sheltered nests to live in during this season with birdies. Some of them even migrate to other countries where there is less rain. Buddhist monks also sojourn with house holders during this season.

The “Pali” word “Vas” means the rains “Viseema” means dwelling. Therefore “Vas Viseema” means to sojourn during the rainy season. “Vassana Kala” or the rainy season of three months begins on Esala full moon day. Commencing the “Vas” period from Esala full moon day is called “Purmikawa” or “Pera Vas”. However the bhikkhus who could not commence the Vas period on Esala Full Moon day are allowed to start observing Vas on the Nikini Full Moon day. This is called “Pasuvas”.

Buddhist monks commence “Vas” on Nikini full moon day in keeping with the enactment called “Santhaha Karanaya” The circumstances which led to the enactment of “Santhaha Karanaya” was the hardships caused to the bhikkhus due to rain.

After the establishment of Buddhasasana bhikkus engaged in the propagation of Dhamma and meditation during all four seasons, spring, summer, autumn and winter regardless of adverse weather conditions specially during the rainy season. People were concerned about the hardships caused to bhikkus and pains taken by them which the people thought was “Attakilamathanuyogaya – giving extreme pains to the body or physical exertion. Some people went even to the extent of criticizing the extreme pains taken by bhikkhus. These criticisms reached the ears of King Bimbisara.

On a day before the Nikini full moon day King Bimbisara requested the Buddha to sojourn for the rainy season from Nikini full moon poya day in his kingdom, at Rajagaha Nuwara. The Buddha accepted this invitation.

‘Pasuvas’ or the custom of commencing the ‘Vas’ period from Nikini full moon day came into being in that manner. Thus bhikkus sojourn in ‘wassawasa” place of residing in the rainy season starting from Esala full moon day or Nikini full moon day.

It was on the Nikini Full Moon day three months after The Buddha’s “parinibbana” that the first Dharma sangayana-convocation was held to settle the Buddhist canon.

The immediate cause for conducting the first Dhamma Sangayana was the behaviour of a monk named Subaddha after the parinibbana of the Buddha.

All the ordinary bhikkus who had not attained Arahatship excepting monk Subaddha lamented and mourned over the prinibbana of the Buddha. Buddha’s ”Agra Upasthayaka” chief attendant and “Dharma Bhandagarika” – the treasurer of Dhamma, Ananda Maha Thera was among those who lamented. Monk Subaddha who had become an ascetic during his old age not actually to practice acsetism but because he had no other way of living and requested the monks not to mourn but to be happy as thee was no one after Buddha to give them orders.

The Maha Sangha led by Maha Kashyapa Thera felt that the behaviour of ascetic Subaddha was an indication of probable problems among the members of the sangha community and on Esala Full Moon day two months after the parinibbana of Buddha to hold a convocation to settle the Buddhist canon. This is the first Dhamma Sangayanawa (Convocation).

It was conducted during a period of three months from the following Nikini Full Moon Poya day.

Even during the time of Buddha, problems arose among Bhikkhus such as the “Sangha Bedha” -division among bhikkhus – caused by Devadatte Thera and the differences among Dharmadhara bhikkhus (those versed in morals and “Vinayadhara” bhikkhus (those well versed in and observed the precepts of property of conduct) but the Buddha settled them amicably,”

Arahat Maha Kassapa Thera was a bhikku who spent most of the time in Himalayas as an ascetic. This he did presumably to avoid being mistaken by the people for Buddha as he was physically identical with the Thathagatha.

Maha Kassapa Thera was in the city of Pava at the time of Buddha’s parinibbana. As soon as he heard about the Maha Parinibbana he came to Kusinara with his followers. Maha Kassapa Thera consoled the ordinary monks who mourned the Parinabbana of the Gauthama Buddha and after the funeral of the “Thathagatha he made arrangements for the first Dhamma “Sangayana”.

By that time, Arahat Sariputta and Arahat Moggalana had attained parinibbana and the convocation was held under the patronage of Arahat Maha Kassapa. Five hundred Arahats participated in the convocation. Arahat Maha Kassapa Thera selected originally 499 participants and after attaining Arahtship by Ananda Maha Thera at night on previous day the vacancy was filled by him. The convocation was held at Rajagahanuwara in Magadha Rata. Presumably Arahat Maha Kassapa Thera was confident of Ananda Maha Thera’s attainment of Arahatship before the commencement of the first Dhamma Sangayana. It was because of this reason that a place was kept for him.

Ananda Maha Thera had gained eminence in eradiction and possessed a lot of knowledge in Dhamma and was second only to Buddha in preaching. Buddha appreciated him when he preached Dhamma to a group led by Mahanama Sakya king.

He was “Dhamma Bhandagarika” treasurer of Dhamma having heard all the discourses of the Buddha. He was also second only to Buddha in intelligence, good sense, prudence and circumspection. He had reached the apex in understanding and apprehension. In serving as “Agra Upasthayaka” – Buddha’s chief attendant, he did every thing possible for the safety and comfort of the Buddha.

When the furious elephant, Nalagiri came chasing after the Buddha, Ananda Maha Thera stood in between the Buddha and the elephant exhibiting his courageousness when he felt the need. He was second only to the Buddha in rationalism, prudence and wisdom. Yet for all such virtues and good qualities he had not attained Arahatship by the time of Buddha’s Parinibbana presumably due to his desire and ambition to tender aid to, minister and serve and wait upon the Buddha.

He had attained “Sowan” the first of the four paths to Nirvana having heard the Dhamma preached by Arahat Punnamattaniputta Thera a few days after entering the priesthood. Since he had not attained Arahatship he could not bear the pain of mind when he heard about Buddha’s decision to attain Parinibbana. He leant against the door post of the Viharaya and started crying.

Buddha summoned Ananda Maha Thera and consoled him reminding him about the transitory nature of all existing things from which even the “Thathagatha” cannot deviate. Buddha said that Ananda Maha Thera had accumulated enough merit to attain Arahatship before long and advised him to be courageous. Ananda Maha Thera made up his mind and did every thing what should have been done.

Three months after the Buddha’s Parinibbana and at night on the day preceding the day when the first Dhamma Sangayana was held Ananda Maha Thera attained Arahatship and was qualified to fill the vacancy kept for him by Maha Kasspa Thera. The vacancy was kept because Ananda Maha Thera was indispensable for the successful convocation of the Buddhist canon. He was the most knowledgeable person in the doctrine, being the Dharma Bhandagarika – the treasurer of the Dhamma and having listened to all the discourses of the Buddha.

The convocation went on for three months. Dhamma Pitaka and Vinaya Pitaka were classified into Digha Nikaya, Majima Nikaya, Sanyutha Nikaya, Anguttara Nikaya and Kuddaka Nikaya.

They were learnt by heart. The responsibility for each part was entrusted to leading participants of the convocation.

Arahat Ananda Thera and his followers were entrusted with the responsibility for Digha Nikaya. The followers of Arahat Sariputta Thera were entrusted with Majjima Nikaya. Sanyutta Nikaya was entrusted to Arahat Maha Kassapa Thera and his followers. Anguttara Nikaya was the responsibility of Arahat Anuruddha Thera and his followers. All the Theras were made responsible for the Kuddaka Nikaya. Vinaya Pitaka was entrusted to Arahat Upali Thera.

This convocation was known as “Pancha Sathika Sangikthi” as it was held with the participation of 500 Theras who had attained Arahatship.

Today is The Day 🙏

Prime Meritorious Deed of Abhaya dana has been held @ the Dhamma School Premises 🙏

It was conducted commemorating....
The 15 th Anniversary of Our Dhamma School 🙏
Funds were raised with the help of our Dhamma School community & our well wishers under the guidence of Most Venerable Pinikahane Samitha Thero 🙏

One Cow and two calves were rescued from being slaughtered as a result of this programme which is a part of Our Esala Poya Day Celebrations🙏

Courtesy of Sakuna Sangeeth Photography
📞076 54 93 910

Today is the Birthday of Our Teacher.....
Ms. Prashasthi Karunarathne
May The Noble Triple Gem Bless You 🙏

We are So Proud to announce....
that two Prefects of Our Dhamma School....
Ameesha Andrio Putha & Lisaja Dinudika Putha....
have been appointed as Junior Prefects....
@ Mahinda College, Galle.
May The Noble Triple Gem Bless You 🙏

෴ Significance of Esala Poya Day ෴

The Esala Poya is in the month of Esala according to the Sinhala calendar and the Gregorian calendar in which we use it as July.

Several important things happened on the Esala Poya or Esala Full Moon day.

The conception of Prince Siddhartha (Bodhisattva) in Queen Mahamaya Devi’s womb occurred on this day.

Prince, Siddhartha and Princess Yasodhara’s son, Prince Rahula was born on an Esala Poya day

On this same day Prince Siddhartha gave up his lay life, donned the robes of an ascetic and went in search of Enlightenment or Buddhahood as he became disillusioned with lay life after encountering an old man, a sick man and a co**se. He realised everyone including himself a prince must go through old age, sickness and death. His final encounter was with a sadhu and he thought of becoming an ascetic or sadhu and finding the truth was the way out of Samsara (life).

Prince Siddhartha’s giving up of lay life is known as the Great Renunciation. In preparation to leave the palace he quietly went and saw his son Prince Rahula, born that day and Princess Yasodhara, his wife, both of whom were fast asleep. Then he mounted his horse Kantaka and with his trusted Minister left the Palace and his life as a Prince forever. When they came to the banks of the river Neranjana, Prince Siddhartha dismounted. He cut off his hair with his sword, took off his royal garments and donned the yellow robes of an ascetic. He gave his clothes to weeping Channa and bade him go back to the Palace and break the news of his Renunciation. The horse Kantaka watched his beloved master walk away and died of a broken heart.

After achieving Buddhahood the Buddha preached his first sermon, the Dammachakkapavattana Sutta to five ascetics, on an Esala Poya day at the Deer Park in Isipatana (present Saranath) in India. They were with him for sometime during his search for the truth.

Their names were Kondanna, Bhaddiya, Vappa, Mahanama and Assaji. At the end of the sermon the ascetics embraced Buddhism and became the first theras in the Sasana. The ascetic Kondanna attained the state of Sotapatti. Many Devas and Brahmas also listened to this first sermon.

It was on Esala Poya that the Buddha visited the Tauvthisa Dev Lova, (Tauvtisa abode of the Gods) and for the first time preached the Abidhamma to the Maathru Divya Rajaya (who was Mahamaya Devi in her previous birth) and the other Gods there.

The Buddha performed the Yamaka Maha Prathiharya or the Twin Miracles on an Esala Poya Day to show that He was the Buddha to the proud, older Sakya clansmen. He rose into the air and walked over and he made flames come out of the upper part of his body and water from the lower part. Then he reversed the process. Then, the Buddha made fire come out of the right side of his body and water from the left side of his body. He also emitted six resplendent rays of light from his body.

For Sri Lankan Buddhist the Esala Poya is very important as several important events took place on Esala Poya day.

The first ordination of a Sri Lankan took place on an Esala Poya day in Anuradhapura. Prince Ariththa, nephew of King Devanampiyatissa was ordained as a bhikkhu by Arahath Mahinda.

It was on an Esala Poya day that the laying of the foundation for the Ruwanvelisaya took place and the enshrinement of relics by King Dutugemunu.

Esala Poya also marks the start of the Vas Kalaya (rainy season retreat) for bhikkhus. Vas commences on the day after the Esala Poya. Bhikkhus who were not able to start Vas on this day will be allowed to start late Vas on the next poya day which is Nikkini Poya, the poya day in the month of August.

It was on an Esala Poya Day that the Sacred Tooth Relic was brought to Sri Lanka by Princess Hemamala and Prince Dantha. Dante Pura, (City of the Tooth) in the state of Kalinga, on the Eastern coastal belt of India (present Orissa) was the home of the Sacred Tooth Relic originally.

The then King of Kalinga, Guhasiva was a devout Buddhist. His greatly feared that the Hindu kings would try to destroy the Sacred Tooth Relic. Therefore, he instructed his daughter, Princess Hemamala and her husband Prince Danta took to bring the Sacred Tooth Relic to Sri Lanka where it would be safe with the King of Sri Lanka who too was a devout Buddhist.

Princess Hemamala disguised herself as an ordinary woman and hid the Sacred Tooth Relic in her hair. They left the port Tamalitti, Kalinga and sailed to Lanka and landed at Lankapattana. From here they walked to Anuradhpura and handed over the Sacred Tooth Relic to King Kithsirimevan (AD 303-331).

The King, who was also known as Kirthi Sri Meghavarna was very happy to receive the Sacred Tooth Relic and kept it for a few days in a monastery, called Meghagiri, the present Isurumuni Viharaya. Subsequently, the Sacred Tooth Relic was deposited in a building called Dhamma Cakka Geha built by King Devanampiyatissa.

The Sacred Tooth Relic was taken annually to Abhayagiri Viharaya in a grand procession and kept there for three months.

It is thought that this procession could be the origin of today’s annual Esala Dalada Perahera held in Kandy and associated with the Dalada Maligawa. The Perahera is held in August.

Our Champion Team 🏆
Winners....
of The Buddhist Devotional Songs Competition 🙏

1 . Danuja I D
Weerasinghe.
2 . A A Manugi Malinsa.
3 . J M Shalina
Aneeshwara.
4 . K G Manuli
Methsandi.
5 . Nimna N
Wimalarathne.
6 . Devni R Kalansooriya.
7 . H Himeth Damsana.
8 . K A Ameesha Iwan
Andrio.
9 . D Methuki D
Hiyathma.
10 . E K Sehara
Sewwandi.
11 . Isiri C Kalansooriya.
12 . R H Devli Didulani

Today we celebrate the Birthday.....
of a very special personality....
who has been a tremendous supporter......
for our Dhamma School & Vidyaloka Temple.
He was also the Secretary ...
of our Vidyaloka Foundation....
Mr. Saman Athukorala
May The Noble Triple Gem Bless You 🙏