Buddhists worldwide celebrate Esala Full Moon Poya Day
Today marks Esala Full Moon Poya Day, a significant day in the Buddhist calendar.
This day commemorates several key events in the life of the Buddha and the history of Buddhism.
On this day, Prince Siddhartha renounced his royal life to become an ascetic in search of liberation from suffering.
It was also on an Esala Full Moon Poya Day that the Buddha delivered his first sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, setting the Wheel of Dhamma in motion.
Other notable events on this day include the conception of Prince Siddhartha, the beginning of the Vassana season for monks, and the Buddha’s visit to Thusitha Heaven to preach to his mother.
The first Buddhist Council was also held on an Esala Poya Day, as was the birth of Prince Rahula.
In Sri Lanka, Esala Poya is particularly notable for the first local ordination of a Sri Lankan, Prince Arittha, under Arahant Mahinda following the introduction of Buddhism.
Additionally, the foundation for the celebrated Mahastupa (Ruwanvelisaya) was laid and its relics enshrined by King Dutugemunu on this day.
Sri Lankan Buddhists honor Esala Poya with ceremonies and festivals, including the famous Kandy Esala Perahera.
The day also marks the start of the annual rains retreat for monks, known as ‘Vas,’ beginning the day after Esala Poya.
Monks who miss this initial start are allowed to commence the ‘late Vas’ on the next Poya day, Nikini (August).