Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre

Upcoming events at Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre

Community

Poson full Moon Poya Day

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 Mahāvaṃsa (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.

Sun 28 JunSri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre

via Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre

Community

Esala Full Moon Poya Day

Esala Full Moon Poya Day is a sacred Buddhist holiday celebrated in Sri Lanka, coinciding with the month of Esala in the lunar calendar. It commemorates significant events related to Lord Buddha’s life, teachings, and the establishment of the Sangha (Buddhist monastic order). Devotees engage in religious observances, including offering prayers, meditating, and participating in colorful processions to honor the teachings and virtues of Buddhism. It is a time of spiritual reflection, devotion, and deepening one’s understanding of the path to enlightenment.

Sun 26 JulSri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre

via Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre

Don't miss the next one

What's on near Kingsbury, in your inbox

One email a week with the local stuff worth knowing — before it's already happened.

Sign up for Kingsbury

Free. Unsubscribe whenever you like.

Religion & Spirituality

Invitations For Rainy Retreat & Chanting Dhammachakkapavattana Sutta

Esala Full Moon Poya Day holds a special significance as it marks the beginning of the traditional Buddhist “Vassana” or rain retreat. During this auspicious time, devoted Buddhists invite monks to observe a three-month retreat period in monasteries. The retreat is a period of intense meditation, study, and spiritual practice, aimed at deepening their understanding and achieving higher levels of enlightenment. The act of inviting the monks is considered a meritorious deed, fostering a strong bond between the laity and the monastic community. This sacred day serves as a reminder of the importance of dedicating oneself to spiritual growth and nurturing the Buddhist teachings in the pursuit of inner peace and liberation.

Wed 29 JulSri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre

via Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre

Community

Nikiṇi Full Moon (Pōya) Day

As usual Buddhist devotees observe the eight precepts. It is still the period of the vassa (rainy) season. The Nikiṇi Pōya day is related to the legends that tell the convening of the First Buddhist Council after the passing away of the historical Buddha. The elders of the Buddhist community led by Venerable Mahākassapa recited the ‘Word’ of the Buddha (Buddhavacana) for arriving at a consensus, an early instance of an emerging notion of a Buddhist canon, Tripiṭaka

Sun 30 AugSri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre

via Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre

Community

Binara Full Moon (Pōya) Day

As usual Buddhist devotees observe the eight precepts. It is still the period of the vassa (rainy) season. Historically the Binara Pōya day marks a religiously important event of establishing the female order of the Buddhist saṅgha known as Bhikkhuṇī Sāsana. The historical Buddha’s stepmother, Princess Mahāpajāpati Gotami, became the first female to dorn yellow robes by paving the way for the liberation of generations of women. The annual procession at Mahiyaṅgana, the site of the Buddha’s first visit to Laṅkā (Mahāvaṃsa, ch. 1: 19–43) and one of the sixteen pilgrimage places, takes place with the participation of the Veddās during the Binara Full Moon period.

Sun 27 SeptSri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre

via Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre

Community

Aṭavisi Buddha Pūjā

An occasional ceremony held at the Śrī Saddhātissa International Buddhist Centre as an offering to the twenty-eight Buddhas.

Sat 31 OctSri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre

via Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre

Community

Kathina Chivara Puja

Kathina Chivara Puja is a significant religious event celebrated in various Buddhist traditions around the world. It marks the conclusion of the three-month Vassa (rain retreat) period observed by monks during the monsoon season. The term “Kathina” refers to a wooden frame used to support robes, while “Chivara” symbolizes the robes themselves. During this event, lay devotees gather at Buddhist monasteries to offer new robes and other necessities to the monks as a way of expressing gratitude for their teachings and guidance. The ceremony holds great importance as it strengthens the bond between the monastic community and the lay followers, emphasizing the spirit of generosity and support. The festivities typically begin with a colorful procession, where lay devotees carry the Kathina robe frame, accompanied by traditional music and chanting. Once inside the monastery, a formal offering ceremony takes place, during which the new robes and other requisites are presented to the monks. This act of giving is believed to accumulate merit for the devotees and create positive karma. Apart from the ceremonial aspect, Kathina Chivara Puja is also an occasion for spiritual reflection and renewal. It provides an opportunity for both monks and lay followers to come together, engage in meditation, listen to Dhamma talks, and engage in acts of virtuous practice.

Sun 1 NovSri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre

via Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre

Community

Il Full Moon (Pōya) Day

The Kaṭhina Cīvara Pūjā is the Buddhist “communal ceremony of making robe offerings” to Buddhist monks who complete the three-month rain-retreat (vassa). Annually, the ceremony takes place in October / November, depending on the lunar calendar. A period of four weeks is set aside for the celebration after the Il full moon (Pōya) day, which marks the monks’ ‘pavāraṇa’ (ending) of the rain retreat. Lay devotees formally and communally offer a “specially stitched robe” to the members of the saṅgha (monastic community) identified as Kaṭhina robe. Theravāda Buddhist traditions consider the offering of the Kaṭhina robe as an enormously meritorious deed.

Sun 29 NovSri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre

via Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre

Community

Interfaith Call for World Peace & Tsunami Remembrance Day

Every December, Śrī Saddhātissa International Buddhist Centre (SSIBC) organises the Interfaith Call for World Peace. It is also an opportunity to celebrate Tsunami victims and war casualties.

Sun 6 DecSri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre

via Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre

Community

Un̆duvap Full Moon (Pōya) Day & Saṅghamittā Day

Sri Lankan Buddhists celebrate the Un̆duvap Full Moon Day in December as the day of arrival of Theri Saṅghamittā in Laṅkā with a sapling of the Śrī Mahābodhi in the third century BCE. Theri Saṅghamittā’s visit also marked the beginning of the female order of the saṅgha in Laṅkā. Over centuries, the Śrī Mahābodhi has become a tree of historical records unparalleled in world history. Anurādhapura, the capital of ancient Laṅkā until 993 CE flourishing for 1,300 years, became the site for well-known eight pilgrimage sites. Rediscovered by the British colonial archaeological expeditions, UNESCO recognized Anurādhapura as World Heritage Site in 1982

Sun 27 DecSri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre

via Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre

Event details on Near Here are aggregated from third-party sources and may change. Always verify times, location, availability, and any price directly with the organiser before travelling. See Terms.