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| Sunday, 24 February 2002 |
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Several important events occurred on Navam Full Moon Poya Day by Dr. Walpola Wimalagnana Even before the advent of Lord Buddha, Poya was observed as a day of rest by the people. Traditional villagers gave pride of place to spiritual attainments on poya day whilst enjoying the material comforts with his family members. During the Buddha's days, even Brahmin ascetics had declared poya as a day of religious significance. Buddha too affirmed thus practiced and showed His disciples and lay society to follow suit and engage in dhamma discourses. Of the four poya days the full moon day of each month was observed with sanctity since several important events relating to Buddha's life and the Buddhist order occurred on such a day. It was the Navam poya at Veluwana Maha Viharaya. The occasion was graced by Lord Buddha surrounded by around 1250 bhikkhus headed by Arahants, Sariputra and Moggallana. The newly ordained disciples such as Uruwela Kassapa, Gaya Kassapa and Nadi Kassapa added lustre to the assembly. The day became historic when Buddha elevated Arahants, Moggallana and Sariputra as his two chief disciples. During the first twenty years of Buddha Sasana which is called, 'Patama Sambodhi,' the necessity did not arise for Buddha to introduce special rules of conduct as the bhikkhus remained in virtuous lot. However, with the passage of time, the situation demanded to enforce rules of discipline, i.e. Vinaya and as such Buddha preached, 'Ovadapati Mokka' sutra-panacea for all ills, to ensure discipline on a Nawam Poya day. It was again on Navam poya that the Buddha pronounced at Chapala Chetiya the day of His demise, which is called, Ayusanskaraya. During the last three months prior to His passing away, the Buddha accompanied by His disciple Ananda kept on visiting places of importance associated with His life. Finally on a Wesak full moon day, the Enlightened One passed away at Upawatta Sal grouse in Kusinara. |
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