Asalha Puja
- What
- Asalha Puja
- When
- 7/24/2021
- Where
- Buddhist
Asalha Puja Day, also known as Dharma Day, is a very important holy day for Buddhists. This holiday commemorates the very first sermon that Buddha gave his devotees and is celebrated on the 8th lunar moon every year. This year it will be celebrated on the night of July 24th.
This day is so highly regarded because it is on the original date that Buddha gave his first sermon to five disciples while at Deer Park in Benares, India. This sermon served as the foundation for all of Buddha's future teachings. In this teaching Buddha mapped out the four noble truths; Dukka which means life is suffering, Tanha which means origin of suffering is attachment, Cessation of suffering is attainable and lastly, the way to cessation is via the eightfold path. It was in these teachings that Buddha helped one of his five friends, Kondanna attain the first level of enlightenment.
The day is observed by commemorating the life of Buddha and the teachings he left behind. Many celebrate by donating to temples, charity or participating in a service event. Another important celebration is the chant of the scriptures telling of this event in its original pali language. But overall the day is meant to be lived as Buddha lived which should bring upon a happy, peaceful life.
In Thailand, since it is a government holiday it is common for many government and private organizations to join in on the celebration as well. Many stores and other businesses may promote Buddha's teachings on this day while others may close down in honor of it.