Today is Asalha Puja Day, a significant day in Buddhism due to a major event that occurred 45 years before the Buddhist era, on the full moon day of the 8th lunar month, known as Asalha Full Moon Day. On this day, in the Deer Park of Isipatana in Varanasi, Kashi, the Buddha gave his first sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, to the group of five ascetics.
During this sermon, Kondañña, one of the five ascetics consisting of Kondañña, Vappa, Bhaddiya, Mahanama, and Assaji, gained insight into the Buddha’s teachings, achieving the state of Sotapanna (Stream-enterer). He then requested ordination into the Buddha’s monastic order using the “Ehi Bhikkhu” method, becoming the first monk and disciple of the Buddha. This day marked the first complete establishment of the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha).
“…In the afternoon of Wednesday, November 29, 2023, after resting from travel, the novice monks visited the Sarnath Museum and the Dhamek Stupa in the Deer Park of Isipatana. These sites are significant as one of the four holy places where the Buddha began his teachings, serving as spiritual refuge for many.
The name Sarnath means ‘abode of deer.’ We paid respects and chanted evening prayers at the Dhamek Stupa, which is the largest and most important Buddhist site where the Buddha gave his first sermon during the reign of Emperor Ashoka.
This visit reminded me of my previous visit to Sarnath 17 years ago as a layperson, where we chanted prayers under the shade of the Dhamek Stupa in the late afternoon. Heavy rain followed our prayers, forcing the elders to run or walk a long distance to the bus, soaking wet but feeling blessed for completing our prayers and meditation.
This time, the weather was good with no rain, and I felt fortunate to return here as a monk with greater understanding than before.
