Asalha Puja / Dharma Day
22 Jul 2013
Day celebrating the beginning of the Buddha's teaching.
This day is celebrated by some Buddhists in commemoration of the Buddha's first sermon, which took place in the Deer Park in Benares (Varanasi), India.
Some time after his enlightenment, the Buddha sought out his disciples to pass what he had learned on to them in his first teaching. This is also known as the First Wheel of Dharma. The word dharma translates as truth or 'path to enlightenment'.
Dharma Day is seen as an opportunity for Buddhists to show their gratitude to the Buddha and to other enlightened teachers who have shared their knowledge.
Find out more about Asalha Puja / Dharma Day from the following websites:
- BBC Religions - Buddhism: Dharma Day
- Wikipedia - Asalha Puja
- Buddhanet - Buddhist Festivals and Special Days
See also the following publication for secondary schools, available from RE Today:
- Questions: Buddhists (Secondary)
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