Vap Full-Moon Day Program - 2019

Vap Full Moon Day

One Day Retreat (Free)

October 26, 2019

Lankarama Buddhist Institute

What is VAP Fullmoon Day?

According to Buddhist history, the Blessed One ended his seventh Rains Retreat in the Celestial Realm of Tavatimsa on Vap Full-Moon Day. Therein the Buddha preached Abhidhamma to an assembly of celestial beings headed by his former mother (Mahamaya) who was born here as a powerful celestial deity called Matrudivyaraja following her death after giving birth to Prince Siddhattha. There was a large assembly of devotees when the Buddha descended from Tavatimsa heavenly realm to the city of Sankassa (Sankassapura) and preached Dhamma to the great assembly. It's also recorded in the history that venerable Sariputta was honored by the Buddha on this day as the foremost among the Wise. "Etadaggaṃ , bhikkhave, mama sāvakānaṃ bhikkhūnaṃ mahāpaññānaṃ yadidaṃ sāriputto." (AN, Etadagga Pali). Venerable Sariputta, the Chief Disciple of the Buddha is said to have answered the many questions asked by the audience. This Vap is supposed to be a period of sowing in the ancient agricultural society of India.
Image Source: British Museum Online Collection Gallery

Schedule:

Morning

08:30 AM - Observing Eight Precepts & Buddha Vandanā
09:00 AM - Dhamma Talk on THE IMPORTANCE OF VAP FULL MOON DAY by Venerable Dhammaratana
10:00 AM - Dhamma Discussion on TILAKKHANA by Chandana Gamalath
11:00 AM - Buddha Vandanā
11:30 AM - Offering of Lunch to the practitioners

Afternoon

12:30 PM - Walking Meditation
01:30 PM - ĀNĀPĀNASATI Meditation by Venerable Sumitta
02:30 PM - Tea Break
03:00 PM - Dhamma Talk on PARĀBHAVA SUTTA by Venerable Rakkhita Click HERE for PARĀBHAVA SUTTA (Downfall) translated by Narada Thera
04:30 PM - Releasing of Eight Precepts