significance of Esala
Esala Full Moon Poya falls on August 1 this year after the Adhi Esala Poya, an extra Poya, which fell on July 3. This year’s Esala Poya is in the month of August (Nikini), bequeathing that month with two poyas.
Prince Rahula, the son of Prince Siddhartha and Princess Yasodara, was born on an Esala Poya, and on that very day the disillusioned Prince, giving up his worldly ties, left his lay life, steadfast in his determination to discover the truth about life and gain Enlightenment.
Esala is a very significant poya for Budhists, and more so for Sri Lankans. Prince Aritta, a nephew of King Devanampiyatissa, was the first to be ordained in Anuradhapura by Arahant Mahinda Maha Thera on an Esala Poya. Another event of importance was the laying of the foundation stone by King Dutugemunu for the Swarnamali Maha Chaitya in Anuradhapura, placing sarwañña dhatu or the sacred relics.
Also Upali Maha Thera from Siam (Thailand) came to Sri Lanka and revived the Upasampada (higher ordination of novice monks) on an Esala Poya in 1753.
Many other important events are associated with Esala. Once the Buddha went in search of the five ascetics to the Migadayi Deer Park in Benares, with whom he had lived for six years before Enlightenment. But seeing the Buddha arrive the ascetics ignored him believing the Buddha had failed in his goal of achieving the Supreme Enlightenment.
Buddha addressed them with the words “Monks, there are two extremes that should be avoided” and preached the Dhammacakkappawatana Sutta to the five ascetics, making them understand that kamasukallikanu yogaya (giving excess comfort to the body) and attakilamathanu yogaya (immense discomfort or self-mortification) should be avoided and instead to seek the Madhyama Prathipadawa (middle way), thus setting in motion ‘the wheel of Dhamma’ with this first sermon. After listening to the sermon, one ascetic Kondañna achieved Sotapatthi, the first stage in the path to Nirvana. Buddha realized that the asetic Kondañna had understood the Sutta, was pleased and said “Angññaa Kondañna” (Kondañna has understood).
It was on an Esala Poya also that the Buddha visited Tawthisa Divya Lokaya (Thawthisa Heaven) – and preached the Ahidhamma to the Mathru Divya Rajaya (who was his mother Maha Maya Devi in her previous birth).
When the Buddha visited his kinsmen on yet another Esala Poya, the proud Sakyans did not wish to receive him. The Buddha performed the Yamaka Maha Pathihariya (the twin miracles) where a flame from one side of the Buddha’s body and a stream of water from the other side sprang at the same time, which amazed the Sakyans and ‘shattered their pride’.
After three years of the Buddha’s Enlightenment, another important annual ritual took place on Esala Poya. The Vas season (rain retreat) commences from the day after the Poya during which time the bhikkhus stay indoors for three months, which is the practice even at present.
Taking turns on the day after the Esala Poya, the Thevava (duty) at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, is performed by the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters, each performing the duties for one year. The Mahanayaka Theras appoint five bhikkhus from each temple to reside in the Sri Dalada Maligawa for one year, to perform this most sacred duty to honour the Sacred Tooth Relic. This year, on the day after the Esala Poya, the Theva duty will begin on August 2 by the monks of the Malwatte Chaper.
Thus Esala remains of much importance to Buddhists.
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