On Tuesday 28 July, devotees gathered at Nalanda Centre with faith and gratitude to observe the Āsāḷha Full-moon Uposatha and commemorate Dhamma Day, marking the Buddha’s first turning of the Wheel of Dhamma over 2,600 years ago. The congregation reverently recited the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, reflecting on the timeless teachings of the Middle Way, the Four Noble Truths, and the Noble Eightfold Path.
Read moreBeginning on the day after the Āsālha Full-moon (Dhamma Day), Theravāda Buddhist monks enter the annual Vassa or Rains Retreat, a three-month period of intensified spiritual cultivation. During this time, monks remain in one monastery, devoting themselves to meditation, Dhamma study, teaching, and the observance of the monastic discipline (Vinaya). Lay devotees also take this opportunity to deepen their own practice through generosity (dāna), moral conduct (sīla), meditation (bhāvanā), and regular support of the Sangha.
Read moreToday 28 July, marks the Āsālha Full-moon, also known as Dhamma Day, one of the most significant occasions in the Buddhist calendar. On this full-moon day, the Buddha delivered His first discourse, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (Discourse on the Turning of the Wheel of Dhamma), setting in motion the Buddha-Sāsana.
Read moreThe Āsālha Full-moon, also known as Dhamma Day, is a significant Buddhist occasion marking the Buddha’s first sermon (the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta) to His first five disciples at Deer Park in Isipatana, two full moons after His Enlightenment. This is the day where the ‘Wheel of Dhamma’ was set in motion when the Buddha expounded the Four Noble Truths which form the foundation of Buddhist teachings.
Read moreOn Wednesday 9 July, the Āsāḷha Full-moon evening, devotees gathered at Nalanda Centre to commemorate Dhamma Day, the sacred occasion which marks three pivotal events in Buddhist history - the conception of Buddha Gotama, His renunciation of worldly life, and most significantly, the day He first expounded the Dhamma as the Enlightened One.
Read more‘Dhammacakka Day’ commemorates the turning of the ‘Wheel of Dhamma’ 2600 years ago, when the Buddha expounded the ‘Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta’ to his first five disciples at Isipatana near Benares. In one of the most enlightening teachings ever, the Buddha taught them the truths of life – ‘Dukkha’ (suffering); its causes; its cessation; and the Path to its cessation – henceforth termed the ‘Four Noble Truths’.
Read moreBeginning the day after the full-moon of Asalha month (around July every year), Theravada Buddhist monks are required to observe Vassana or ‘Rains Retreat’ for a duration of 3 months. The Vassana period from July-August to October-November corresponds with the monsoon season in South and Southeast Asia (which were historically Buddhist strongholds), thus making traveling very difficult and even dangerous. Monks and nuns were often invited by Buddhist communities to reside in village Aramas (monasteries and nunneries) for the duration of the ‘rains’.
Read moreAs the Āsāḷha month dawns today, we invite you to join us at Nalanda Centre for the Uposatha Evening Service. The service will start at 8pm with meditation and chanting, followed by a Dhamma sharing by Bro. Tan Siang Chye. All are welcome!
Read moreOn Wednesday 13 July, over 150 devotees gathered at Nalanda Centre to commemorate ‘Dhamma Day’, the sacred day honouring the preaching of the Buddha’s first discourse after his Enlightenment – the ‘Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta’. After reciting the seminal discourse together, Bro. Tan Siang Chye delivered a Dhamma talk about the journey of the Buddha in achieving Enlightenment. He shared how rare it was for a Samma-Sambuddha – a Fully Enlightened Buddha – to advent and teach the True Dhamma (Sadhamma).
Read moreToday, on the full-moon day of Āsāḷha month, we commemorate the momentous occasion when the Buddha preached the First Sermon (the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta) to the Five Ascetics in Isipatana, two full-moons after His Enlightenment. The ‘Wheel of Dhamma’ was set in motion for the benefit, happiness and liberation of countless beings.
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