Vap Full Moon Poya day considers to be of high importance, which is observed in the month of October or 10th month of the calendar Month or Vap is so important for Buddhists as Katina Pooja or offering of robes for which we hold high esteem as devotees is conducted at the fall of October or at post observance of rain retreat (Pasu Was Samadanaya).
The robe carrying grand pageant which connects the temple with the village is observed at the end of Vap Full Moon Poya. Because offering of robes or taking part at this task is considered to be the highest meritorious deed which one can fulfill in this living existence, all Buddhist devotees, big or small, in every village, delightedly take part in this activity.
It was on a Vap Full Moon day like today that a Sangha Council with a large congregation of monks was held at Thuparamaya during the time of Arahant Mahinda. It was so held at the request of King Devanampiyathissa in order to get preserved and sustained Buddhism for a longer period.
It was on a Full Moon Day of Vap when Lord Buddha had got down to the city of Sankassa on his return from the celestial abode. On seeing this thousands of devotees and disciples amazingly rejoiced in the spirit of ebullient devotion in Lord Buddha.
Today is so important for Buddhists for another reason because it was on a Vap Full Moon Poya day that Maithree Bodhisathwa, the next most exalted one to be born, has received ordination as a monk together with the retinue of 500 disciples.
Today is observed in high esteem because it was on a day like this that King Devanampiyathissa has made a preliminary arrangement to dispatched a retinue headed by Minister Maha Aritta, a cousin of Lord Buddha in relation, in order to bring a branch of Sri Maha Bodhi from his unseen friend, King Asoka of India.
Vap Full Moon day marks most significant milestone in our history as it was the day like this that laid the foundation for the visit of Sanghamitta Theraniya (female monk) to Sri Lanka.
Princess Anula, sister-in-law of King Devanampiyathissa, had a special interest to enter into female ordination and requested from the king to accommodate her to get her ordained. It was during this special period that this request was made aware to King Asoka of India through the retinue of special delegates from Sri Lanka.
The monks who have spent most of the time in monasteries during rainy retreat have engaged in Dhamma preaching and it was during this month that the monks began writing of Dhamma scripts and books.
On a day like this which marks a series of important events in the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka saturates in every mind with the spirit of peace, compassion and happiness. May this Vap Full Moon Poya Day filled in such magnitude of virtuosity bring you true happiness radiating loving kindness towards all near and dear!
This Gift of Dhamma comes to you, filled with deep sense of devotion on our way forward in the spirit of brotherhood.
Dr. Damenda Porage, Chairman, The Buddhist Brotherhood
Photo description: Upasikaa Lalitpat Janejob of Thailand in narration of Visakha Maha Upasika’s Role
Photo Courtesy: Upasikaa Pensiri Mahasutthikul
© Buddhist Brotherhood
