All about Asalha Puja (Dhamma Day)

Asalha Puja, also known as Dhamma Day, is a special day celebrated by Buddhists to honor the first teaching given by the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. The story goes that after attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, the Buddha spent several weeks in deep meditation. On the full moon day of Asalha, he decided to share his teachings with his first five disciples.

During this first sermon, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, the Buddha explained the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, which are important teachings in Buddhism. He taught about the causes of suffering and the way to end it by following a path of wisdom, morality, and meditation.

On Asalha Puja, Buddhists around the world gather in temples to listen to sermons, meditate, and make offerings. They also participate in acts of generosity and kindness to honor the Buddha's teachings.

This special day reminds Buddhists of the importance of living a moral and compassionate life, following the teachings of the Buddha to find inner peace and happiness. It is a time to reflect on the wisdom of the Buddha and to strive to walk the path towards enlightenment.

  1. Who is honored on Asalha Puja?
  2. What did the Buddha teach during his first sermon?
  3. Why do Buddhists gather in temples on Asalha Puja?
  4. How do Buddhists honor the Buddha's teachings on this special day?
  5. Why is Asalha Puja an important day for Buddhists?

Symbols and Traditions

Asalha Puja, also known as Dhamma Day, is a special celebration in Buddhism to honor the teachings of the Buddha. It takes place on the full moon day in the month of Asalha, which usually falls in July. During this day, Buddhists remember the first sermon given by the Buddha to his five disciples, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta.

  1. What is the significance of Asalha Puja in Buddhism?
  2. When does Asalha Puja usually take place?
  3. What event from the life of the Buddha is remembered during Asalha Puja?
  4. How do Buddhists show respect and gratitude for the teachings of the Buddha during Asalha Puja?
  5. Why is Asalha Puja a time for reflection and renewal of commitment?

My Family and Asalha Puja (Dhamma Day)

Hi, my name is Violet and I'm 8 years old. Today, I want to share with you about a special celebration in Buddhism called Asalha Puja, also known as Dhamma Day. This celebration is all about honoring the teachings of the Buddha, which are super important to me and my family.

  1. What is Asalha Puja, and why is it celebrated in Buddhism?
  2. Can you explain the significance of the Dhamma wheel in Asalha Puja?
  3. How do Buddhists show respect and gratitude during Asalha Puja?
  4. What are some of the activities that take place during Asalha Puja?
  5. Why is it important for Buddhists to reflect on compassion, kindness, and wisdom during this celebration?

Comparing Asalha Puja (Dhamma Day) to another Festival

After learning all about Asalha Puja (Dhamma Day), is there another festival that you celebrate or that you know that is similar in any way? Make a project comparing the similarities and differences between this festival and Asalha Puja (Dhamma Day)and think about what symbols and traditions that are part of it. Think about the story of the festival, if it has one, where it is mainly celebrated - whether it is one country or all over the world. You can produce the project using any medium whether it's paper or on a laptop.

Slideshow - Asalha Puja (Dhamma Day)
A full set of teaching plans for Asalha Puja (Dhamma Day)teaching.