Vap Poya marks the offering of the ‘Katina Cheevara’ or new robes to Buddhist monks, who observed ‘Vas’ – Rainy Retreat, beginning from Esala to Vap.
‘Katina’ – ‘Cheevara Pooja’, the noble meritorious deed is considered the most sacred wholesome act a Buddhist can perform. It is known as the Great Eight Merits or ‘Ata Kusal’. The word ‘Katina’ means unbreakable. It is believed that those who participate in ‘Katina’ religious activities obtain much merit and they live a happy life in this world as well as in the other world once they depart.
It was on Vap Full Moon Poya Day that the Buddha visited the heavenly abode of Tavatimsa. In this heavenly abode, He preached ‘Abidhamma’ to the Devas of that celestial plane, which resulted in the elevation of ‘Matru Deva’ (Mother Diety) to attain ‘Sotapanna’ and 80 crores of Devas to various stages of Sainthood. Eventually, He terminated his retreat in order to descend to the city gate of Sankassapura. He informed Arahat Moggallana about his arrival. Moggallana had paid him a visit seven days before.
Buddhist history reveals another important landmark which is connected to Vap Full Moon Poya Day; for it was on such a day that the future Buddha, Maitriya Bodhisatva, entered the order with a retinue of 500 followers.
Dear Friends,
Atasil and Meditation Program for VAP Poya day,
on 7th October 2017 At Kenwick Temple from 7:30am to 5:00pm
- Morning Dana followed by Ata Sil and Dhamma talk by resident monk.
- Meditation session.
- Dhamma talk by visiting or resident monks.
- Buddha Puja and Dana.
- Dhamma talks by visiting or resident monks.
- Evening Tea followed by the dhamma talk by visiting or resident monks.
- Buddha Puja & Pansil to end the program
*** ALL ARE WELCOME ***
Theruwan Sarani
SLSBS