Uposatha

Uposatha ( Pali; Sanskrit: Upavasatha; Thai: Wan Phra ) is a Buddhist holiday, a day of contemplation, the practice of the Dharma renewal.

The Uposatha day holds an important position in Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, the Uposatha days have little meaning.

Origin

The term Uposatha comes from the Rig Veda. In the old verses the Upavasatha was mentioned, a day of preparation for the so-called Soma ritual, which was usually committed by fasting. These preparations were committed in the days of the crescent, the full and the new moon. Even non- Vedic sects had already used in pre-Buddhist time these days to the meeting and retreat to announce their Dharma. On a proposal by the Magadha King Bimbisara Seniya the Buddha adopted this practice and ordered that his disciples gathered on these days.

Calculation

The calendar of Uposatha days is calculated according to a complex traditional formula that is based on the lunar calendar (see: Thai lunar calendar). This results in that the calculated time is not necessarily coincident with the actual astronomical constellations. The different religious communities within the Theravada Buddhism ( see, eg, Thammayut Nikaya ) also have slightly different calculation formulas. Roughly speaking, drop the Uposatha days at the full moon, the new moon and the two half-moon days that lie exactly in between. The distance between the Uposatha days can be five, six or seven days.

Practice

The Uposathas on the last day of the half of the month, so the new moon or full moon day, are more important than lying in between. Because these days keep the bhikkhus in addition the Patimokkha celebration, ie when they recite the 227 training rules as laid down by the Buddha.

Lay people observe the Uposatha days, the Eight Precepts (see Five Silas ). If possible, use the layman these days to visit their local monastery, there to listen to Dhamma talks by monks and meditate with like-minded people until late into the night.

Current situation

In the countries of Theravada (Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka) was formerly the Uposatha day a non-working day. But due to the increasing Westernization, the Western weekend and thus the work-free Sunday meanwhile acquired greater importance. Although it is partly formed in the Theravada monasteries in Western countries to lay the Uposatha days on a weekend so that more lay people can participate, however, is recited the Patimokkha still on the correct day.

Even though there are almost only older women who find themselves together on Uposatha in the convent, this day is still a great influence on the religious life in the rural areas of the Theravada countries.

Featured Holidays

There are some Uposatha days at the full moon, which have a special meaning in the Buddhist calendar:

  • Magha Puja (usually in February ) - sometimes called " Sangha Day" is reminiscent of the spontaneous, non- collusive meeting of 1250 arahants before the Buddha. On this occasion the Buddha the Ovada - Patimokkha Gatha, a summary of the main points of his doctrine held.
  • Visakha Puja (usually in May) - also known as "Buddha Day". It commemorates the birth, enlightenment and the perfect blowout ( Parinibbana ) of the Buddha.
  • Asalha Puja (usually in July ) - the " Dhamma Day" recalls the first speech of the Buddha before his followers in the deer park of Sarnath, near Varanasi ( Benares today ), after he was enlightened.
  • Pavarana day ( usually in October) - marks the end of the three -month rainy season retreat (see Khao Phansa, Ok Phansa ). The next month will be donated to the monks new robes at the Kathina ceremony.
  • Anapanasati day ( usually in November ) - At the end of the three -month rainy season retreat the Buddha was extremely satisfied with the spiritual progress of his monks that he proposed this time of retreat to extend by a further month. At the end of this month he put on the full moon day of his Anapanasati Sutta ago, " The mindfulness of inhalation and exhalation ."

Comparison with other religions

Since Uposatha days are celebrated about every week, can the their function compare with the Sunday of Christianity, or even with the Sabbath of Judaism.

In Buddhism associated with uposatha activities are always made ​​voluntarily. No one is condemned if he does not observe these days.

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