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Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Happy Ill (Full Moon Poya Day in November)


The Significance of Poya

Even before the birth of Buddhism, Asian ascetics in the ancient times when there were no calendars, made it a practice on full moon days to cease worldly pursuits and engage themselves in religious activities.

The Buddha adopted this practice and from this developed the preaching of the Buddhist texts and commentaries (bana) in monasteries and temples on full moon Poya days. And when the Venerable Arahat Mahinda Thero introduced Buddhism to this country in 247 BC he also introduced the Poya tradition. Following is a brief description of the 12 Poyas in the Buddhist calendar and their significance.

2 comments:

Lisa said...

This is probably a stupid question, but have you read the Red Tent by Anita (I think) Diamonte? It's such a great book. I loaned it to my best friend or I'd go start reading it again right this minute!

earthmama said...

I remember it being on my "Things to Read" list at one time, but I'm sure I haven't yet. I will find it. Thank you so much.

Jesse