Dear Dhamma friends,

Every year, on the full moon in June of the lunar calendar, the Sangha of the Theravāda tradition take a vow to observe the three-month period known as the rains retreat. During this period, they restrict their movements and dedicate themselves to intensive practice in accordance with the Buddha’s teachings.

The full-moon day of June is also a special day commemorating the sacred moment when the Buddha preached the Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dhamma Sutta for the first time to a group of five ascetics, with Koṇḍañña among them. It was on that day when the monastic community was formally established. As such, the full moon of June is not only a time for observance of the rains retreat, but also a joyous celebration of these other significant events.

In view of the significance of the day, Hương Đạo Temple will hold a Rain-bath Robe Offering celebration (Vassikasāṭikadāna) on Sunday, July 2, 2023, at 3 pm. The purpose of this ceremony is to offer rain-bath robes to the monks who will be observing the rains retreat period at Hương Đạo Temple.

Austere practice (dhutaṅga) observance, Candle Lighting and Chanting of the Suttas – Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dhamma (Dhammacakkappavattana) and Conditional Relations (Paṭṭhāna) – will begin at 7 pm on the same day at Hương Đạo’s Deer Park.

You are greatly welcomed to participate in this June Full-moon program. Please take some time to join us in the event.

Please note that since the current lunar calendar has been adjusted with a leap of 2 months, the observance at Hương Đạo Temple, based on the international calendar, will be held one month earlier than would normally be the case, with the observance at Hương Đạo aligning with the full moon in May of the lunar calendar.

Kind regards,
Hương Đạo Temple

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