Asalha Puja: Reflecting on the First Sermon and the Birth of the Sangha
Exploring the significance of Asalha Puja on the 15th waxing moon of the 8th lunar month, marking the first sermon and the first Buddhist monk.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Asalha Puja falls on the 15th waxing moon of the 8th lunar month
- The Buddha delivered his first sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, to the Pañcavaggiya
- Añña Kondañña attained the Dhamma eye and became the first Buddhist monk
- It is celebrated as Dhamma Day, completing the Triple Gem
Asalha Puja falls on July 29th this year, coinciding with the 15th waxing moon of the 8th lunar month. This pivotal Buddhist holiday commemorates the historic occasion when the Lord Buddha delivered his self-realized teachings to the group of five ascetics known as the Pañcavaggiya. This event marked a monumental declaration that set the wheel of Dhamma in motion through the discourse known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta.
The Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta translates to the discourse on setting the wheel of Dhamma in motion, leading to the attainment of arahantship. The core of this teaching centers on the Majjhima Patipada, or the Middle Way, which avoids extreme practices and offers a balanced path to reaching ultimate goals. Additionally, the discourse proclaimed the Four Noble Truths—the profound truths for those liberated from defilements: Dukkha, Samudaya, Nirodha, and Magga.
The term Asalha Puja combines Asalha, meaning the 8th lunar month, with Puja, meaning worship, serving as a reminder of major historical events during this period. Buddhists often refer to it as Dhamma Day because it represents the moment the Triple Gem—the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha—became fully established.
Another profound milestone of this day was the emergence of the world's first noble disciple and monk, Añña Kondañña. After listening to the first sermon, the Brahmin Kondañña attained the eye of Dhamma and became an enlightened noble person. He then requested ordination, officially becoming the very first Buddhist monk and establishing the initial monastic community.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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