Importance of Nikini Full Moon Poya Day
According to the Gregorian calendar, this is the month of August. In this month, according to local Lunar Calendar dawns the auspicious’NiKini Full Moon Poya Day’.
The Nikini full moon poya day is very special for Buddhists around the world. The son of the Buddha, Venerable Rahula attained Arhanthood on a Nikini poya day.
In order to preserve the sublime Dhamma for the future generations, the First Dhamma Congregation lead by Arhant Kashyapa Maha Thero was held three months after the Buddha’s Parinibbana on a Nikini full moon poya day like today at the ‘Saptaparni’ cave in Rajagaha (now Rajgir) with the participation of 500 great Arahants.
Popular as the great treasurer of the Dhamma, Venerable Ananda Thero who had not attained Arahantship, with the intention of attending the congregation as an Arahant, took great effort that night with a mind deeply established in the observation of body (Kāyānupassanā) attained Arahanthhood on the following Nikini full moon poya day.
In addition to that, this is also the time of the ‘Rains Retreat’. Buddhist Monks usually observe the Rains Retreat on the Nikini Full Moon Poya Day.
We wish you all good health and happiness!
© Sathipattana Buddhist Magazine