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Poson full Moon Poya Day

June 23

Free

The full moon day (Pōya) in June is known in Sinhalese as Poson. This full moon is highly significant for Theravāda Buddhists in Sri Lanka because it commemorates the introduction of Buddhism to Laṅkā by the Arahant Mahinda in 236 BCE during the reign of King Devānampiya Tissa (250–210 BCE). There are fascinating stories associated with the introduction of Buddhism. One of them is that the Arahant Mahinda tested the local ruler by producing an aptitude test as the Mahāvasa (ch. 14: 16–22) recorded to assess his competence in understanding and potential of expounding and spreading the Dhamma. The wise king became a Buddhist ruler. His Queen Anula also later became an ardent devotee and subsequently the first Buddhist nun on the island, paving the ground for establishing female monastic order. Laṅkā became then a land of pious men and women who wished to preserve Buddhism.

Details

Date:
June 23
Cost:
Free
Event Categories:
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Event Tags:
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Website:
www.ssibc.org

Organiser

Śrī Saddhātissa International Buddhist Centre
Phone
+44 (0)20 8204 3301
Email
ssibc@outlook.com
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Venue

Śrī Saddhātissa International Buddhist Centre
309–311 Kingsbury Road
London, NW9 9PE United Kingdom
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Phone
+44 (0)20 8204 3301