10/06/2025
Good morning from Sri Lanka!๐๐ฑ๐ฐโค
"POYA DAY and POSON"
Poson poyaday commemorates the occasion over 2,000 years ago when Arahat Mahinda, son of Emperor Asoka of India, converted King Devanampiyatissa to Buddhism. The main centre of celebration is Mihintale, the ancient monastic complex where the royal missionary monk Mahinda preached the first sermon to the ruling king and at Anuradhapura the ancient capital, to which large crowds of pilgrims converge. Mass religious observances, illuminations and pageants are part of the celebrations.
For Buddhists, this hallowed day of Poson is second only to Vesak in terms of importance. Although Poson is celebrated throughout the island, the major ceremonies are to be found in Anuradhapura and Mihintale. Long lines of devotees dressed in white climb the many steps to the top of the Mihintale hill first to the temple, and then to the dagobas that adorn the nearby hillocks. In addition, many devotees climb to the very top of the rock, to the spot where Arahat Mahinda delivered his initial discourses.
"POYA DAY"
Poya, the full moon day, is considered auspicious in the Budhist Calendar and most devotees observe sil, a meditational approach of leaving worldly pleasure throughout the day.
It is ideal to fast or take light food on full moon and new moon days, as it is said to reduce the acidic content in our system, slows down the metabolic rate and increases endurance. This restores the body and mind balance. Praying, too, helps in subduing the emotions and controls the outburst of temper.
Buddhist Festivals are always joyful occasions. Typically on a festival day, lay people will go the the local temple or monastery and offer food to the monks and take the Five Precepts and listen to a Dharma talk. There are many special or holy days held throughout the year by the Buddhist community.
The Sinhala word โPoyaโ is derived from the Sanskrit term uposatha, which means โfast day.โ (Buddhists donโt actually fast on Poya days.) In pre-Buddhist India, various ascetics ceased seeking worldly pleasures on full moon days and instead engaged in religious activities such as fasting. The Buddha, in a way, adopted this practice and preached his most important sermons on full moon days.
Dedicated to lord Buddha and his teaching โค
