Poson Poya & Golden Gift by Arahant Mahinda

The Poson Poya celebrates in Sri Lanka on the full moon of June which is especially notable to the Sri Lankan Buddhists as the day on which Royal Emperor Asoka’s son, the Arahant Mahinda Thera, officially introduced Buddhism to the island in the 3rd century B.C at Mihinthale called ''Missaka Pawwa''. Arahants Ittiya, Uttiya, Sambala, Baddasala accompanied Arahant Mahinda Maha Thera in this missionary. Sumana Samanera also joined them. The only layman in this mission was Bhanduka Upasaka. 

The cradle of Buddhism assist in the establishment of Bhikku Sasanaya as well as all other elements of a cultured society began to come into view with the art of writing, art, river civilization and architecture, dance, literature etc.

The Buddhist devotees annually prepared to commemorate the honorable day with the Theravada Buddhism which was brought to Sri Lanka with the purpose of shaping its future path. Arahant Mahinda Thera explained the value of the five principles to the King through the Cullahattipadopana Sutta. The two rituals of pilgrimage and the observance of the Eight Precepts are combined here.

1.      Right understanding (Samma Ditthi)

2.      Right thoughts (Samma Samkappa)

3.      Right speech (Samma Vaca)

4.      Right action (Samma Kammanta)

5.      Right livelihood (Samma Ajiva)

6.      Right effort (Samma Vayama)

7.      Right mindfulness (Samma Sati)

8.      Right concentration (Samma Samadhi)

Arahant Mahinda Thera who reached to Ambastala Rock brightened the lives of Sri Lankans including King Devanampiyatissa. Spiritual programs are being organized throughout the state and numerous Buddhists flock to Anuradhapura.  Many religious activities are organized during this Poson period in Sri Lanka such as Sil campaigns,Bodhi Poojas, pandols, lanterns danselas and devotional songs all around the island to celebrate Poson Poya.

Any lay Buddhist simply joins the Three Refuges and undertakes the Five Precepts:

I hereby take refuge in the Buddha.  
I hereby take refuge in the Dhamma.
I hereby take refuge in the Sangha.

I hereby seek shelter in the Buddha for the 2nd time.
I hereby seek shelter in the Dhamma for the 2nd time.
I hereby seek shelter in the Sangha for the 2nd time.

I hereby request protection from the Buddha for the 3rd time.
I hereby request protection from the Dhamma for the 3rd time.
I hereby request protection from the Sangha for the 3rd time.

I will hereby respect these Three Jewels the rest of my life!

Merits of the five precepts helped King Devanampiyatissa to comprehend the value of the freedom from nervousness, freedom from domination and liberty from danger in the society which is consist of people who observe the five precepts.

I accept to respect & undertake these 5 training rules: 

I hereby accept the training rule of avoiding all Killing.

I hereby accept the training rule of avoiding all Stealing.

I hereby accept the training rule of avoiding all Sexual Abuse.

I hereby accept the training rule of avoiding all Dishonesty.

I hereby accept the training rule of avoiding all Alcohol & Drugs.

As long as this life lasts, I am therefore protected by these 5 precepts.

Therefore immediately gave up hunting by King Devanampiyatissa. This encourages the Buddhists to live a happy peaceful life within the five precepts. Futhermore the deepest understanding of five instructions, work as the basic underpinning of self restraint (Sila) that covers the way to concentration and awareness (Sati and Samadhi. The practice of the Eight Precepts leads us towards complete freedom from Nirvana.

In Poson Poya same as Vesak Poya, temples are filled with Atasil devotees and pilgrims who are clad in pure white and with the devout thoughts all over Sri Lanka to mark this great event. They spend the next twenty four hours at quiescent environments in meditation. During the Poson Poya, the selling of alcohol and flesh is usually prohibited and people become vegetarians. On the Poson Poya Buddhists focus on generous, delight, compassion and convenience.