Asalha Bucha

Dhamma Day
by Anthony Flanagan,

Dhamma (or Asalha) Day is one of Theravada Buddhism's most important festivals. It celebrates the Buddha's teachings, which were first given to the world shortly after his enlightenment. This first sermon is often referred to as 'Setting into Motion the Wheel of Dhamma'. In this context the word dhamma means teaching or doctrine which is encapsulated for Buddhists in the four noble truths.

Four Noble Truths

These represent the bedrock of Buddhist thought and practice. In them the Buddha explains that the world is a place of suffering and dissatisfaction (dukkha) and that this suffering is caused by craving (tanha).


He goes on to explain that there is a 'state' beyond suffering and craving he terms nibbana - which is synonymous with enlightenment - and that this can be attained to by following the eightfold path. Whatever differences there may be between various schools and traditions of Buddhism, the four noble truths remain at the core, sold and firm.

This first sermon was not delivered to fervent multitudes hungry for the Buddha's message. On the contrary, there were only five people present, his former associates whom he had abandoned when he realized that extreme mortification was not conducive to winning enlightenment. As the Buddha approached them, they were no doubt cynical, thinking that he had abandoned the quest for sensual pleasure. However, it soon became apparent that the Buddha was different in some way and they were quickly convinced that he had found true enlightenment, the ascetic named Kondanna in particular.

The Rainy Season

In early Buddhism, the time around what has now become Dhamma Day - the eight lunar month in the traditional Indian calendar - marked the beginning of the rainy season. At this point, the Buddha and his monks and nuns would suspend their itinerant lifestyle for a period of three months. They would retire to a monastery until the monsoon season was over. This was a time for further meditation and reflection. At the end of this, they would resume their wandering, passing on the Buddha's teachings to all who were interested.

The Essence

Along with Buddha Day, Dhamma Day celebrates the very essence of what Buddhism is about. It also celebrates the day on which the compassionate Buddha, at a specific time and a specific place, brought to the world a simple but nonetheless incredible teaching that would offer an explanation of the nature of existence and a means of bringing suffering to an end.

My Beautiful Mom

My Beautiful Mom
Originally uploaded by nashara.

It's a weekend and I miss my mom. :) Gonna call her today.

Monday Moaning...

DSC_9979
Originally uploaded by junku.

I've got so much to do today! Gosh!

I found this cute picture on Flickr from my favorite photographer, Junku.

How I wish I could have such a neat working station just like him! So clutter-free! What's his secret?!

And how I wish I have such a cute, expressive cat looking at me working like this Miss Fuwari, his lovely cat!

Sunny Sunday

JAP88_739
Originally uploaded by MicMacPics1.

Yes, time flies.

And by the time I realize it, it's another Sunday!

But Sunday doesn't mean relaxing for me. A Ph.D. student's work never ends!

I'm gonna call my mom also today. Have been missing her a lot lately.

As for this picture, I chose it not because I like its zen-like look, but I feel it's very Sunday-ish. :)

So, dear readers, may your Sundays be peaceful and sunny like this picture! :)

Take A Break

DSC_1476
Originally uploaded by junku.

I saw this photo in an online album at Flickr by a Japanese young man who is really gifted in photography. He has great of sense of humor, too. Just look at the pictures of his cats!

I don't know what the drink in the glass is but it sure makes me thirsty! It also reminds me of my afternoon beverage break at my latest meditation retreat in Chiangmai.

At that time, no food was allowed after mid-day. In the afternoon when we felt hot and tired, all we could have was certain beverage only. And red syrup was one of them. Personally, I prefer the green syrup (cream soda) rather than the red (Sala flavor). But seeing this picture by Junku, I wouldn't mind having a red one. Now! :)

We all need a break now and then, eh?