Nikini Poya: Dhamma propagation begins

Rupa Banduwardana

Sakyamuni Siddhartha Gauthama’s search for the truth (Kim Kusala Gavesi) leading to enlightenment was the most significant event in human history. After his supreme enlightenment the world teacher Saththa Devamanussanang preached his first sermon to the five ascetics in the Deer park at Isipathana in Benares.

He advised his numerous disciples to spread the doctrine and the message of the Dhamma to all mankind in the whole world. When the monsoon breaks however it was not possible for them to engage in this sasanic tour.

The Buddha advised them to stay indoors. This period is called Vas meaning rain. It is said that the first vassana was observed by the Buddha and his disciples at Isipathana in Benares. This tradition coming down from the Buddha’s time is continued to date by the Sangha with great piety and the Nikini Poya remains a very important one for them.

The traditionally accepted Vas retreat is performed in two ways. Bhikkus who are unable to observe Vas on previous Poya, do so on Nikini Poya day and it is known as Pera Vas Samadanweema. Monks unable to observe Vas on Nikini Poya day is said to be called Pasu Vas Samadanweema.

The period beginning with vassana is an eventful religious period of great faith which creates a special religious awakening among the devotees making a tremendous impact on their moral lives.

Among the other events the most historic and the most sacred was the organisation of the first convention or the Dhamma Sangayana to preserve the supreme gift of Dhamma in its pristine purity. This was undertaken by his third disciple Arahat Maha Kashyapa who observed vassana in Rajagahanuwara with a retinue of 500 Bhikkus on Esela Poya day in preparation for the great event.

In the second day of the month of Nikini, the fourth month after the Parinibbana of the Buddha it was held at Saptapanni cave entrance located in the foot hills of Vehera Pabbatha under the patronage of King Ajasaththa.

Yet Ven. Ananda the closest associate of the Buddha, highly learned and supposed to be the treasurer of Dhamma, the very person who should have been leading the event was unable to participate, due to his failure to attain Arahantship.

However with a determined effort it was achieved in the early hours of Nikini Full Moon day paving way for him to make the most intellectual contribution to the Sangayana. It was a landmark gift to the upkeep of Buddha Sasana.

Going back to Nikini the Poya, Vassana remains a very important one for those devout Buddhists who await the dawn of the Vassana season to engage in religious activities and gain merit from this day onwards Bhikkhus stay in their own temple, without going out for alms.

This is the time that the meritorious heart of the true Buddhist is bent on love and compassion. This is the time that both the clergy as well as the laity engage in Dana Seela Bhavana. Today the tradition coming down from ancient times is observed by the respective dayakayas with great shraddha.

They invite the Maha Sangha to observe Vas the most sacred event during the year which is called Vas Aradhana Pinkama since that time till if culminates in the most sacred Katina Puja it is the responsibility of the Dayaka Sabha to look after the Sangha attending to all their needs complying with their requests.

They see to the comfort of the Sangha with great care making offerings and paying them respect in every way.

This brings about a totally disciplined way of life compelling them to use the day meaningfully. The Sangha in turn shower them with Dhamma as the gift of Dhamma excels all other gifts.

“Sabbha Danam Dhamma Dhanam Jinathi”, the devotees visit the temple daily for religious activities such as Mal Puja and Bodhi Pooja in the evening and listen to the sermons delivered by the Sangha. Dhamma when carefully cultivated in this manner leads the man to spiritual heights and keeps him away from evil even for a short period.

Though Nikini Poya signifies mostly Post Vassana for the Sangha, it plays a very significant role in lay life as well as giving them the unique opportunity to follow Dhamma to their heart’s content. Dhammo Bhave Rakkati Dhamma Chari.