In the intricate tapestry of the Buddhist calendar, Vap Poya stands as the third most significant event, following Vesak and Poson. While Vesak in May is a global commemoration of the Buddha’s Birth, Enlightenment, and Parinibbana, and Poson in June marks the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka, Vap Poya weaves its own narrative of historical and spiritual importance.
The Roots of Significance
The roots of Vap Poya’s significance stretch back over 2,500 years to the northern plains of India. It was during the royal Vap Magula, the Ploughing Festival, that King Suddhodana, the Sakya King of Kapilavasthupura, made a profound discovery. As royal astrologers had predicted at Prince Siddhartha’s birth, the young prince would grow up to be a great man. The event unfolded as the king, the first to furrow the land, made the soil ready for its first paddy seeds. However, during this auspicious ceremony, the five-month-old Prince Siddhartha went missing.
A Divine Revelation
In a state of panic, King Suddhodana searched for his son, only to find him in a leafy glade, seated cross-legged in a lotus pose, absorbed in deep meditation with his frame levitating. This extraordinary sight moved the king to pay salutation to his son, and thus, Vap Poya became etched in history as the day when Prince Siddhartha’s spiritual prowess was revealed.
Return from Tavatimsa
As the narrative unfolds, Vap Poya takes on even more layers of significance. It was on this full moon day that Gautama Buddha returned to Sankassa Pura from the heavenly abode of Tavatimsa. His mother, who had passed away seven days after giving birth to him, resided there. In a profound moment, Buddha preached the Abidhamma, the deepest aspect of his philosophy, to his mother. This act enabled her to attain ‘Sotapanna,’ the first of the four states leading to Enlightenment.
Historical Events
The future Buddha, as a Bodhisattva still on the path, entered the Order with 500 followers on Vap Poya. Sri Lankan Buddhists also commemorate significant events related to the establishment of Buddhism in their country on this day. King Devanampiyatissa, desiring the ordination of his sister-in-law Anula Devi as a Bhikkuni, requested Indian Emperor Asoka to send his royal daughter Sanghamitta Theri to the island. Her arrival marked the establishment of the Bhikkuni Sangha, allowing Anula Devi to be ordained as a Buddhist nun. Additionally, Sanghamitta Theri brought a sapling of the sacred Bodhi Tree, which still thrives in Anuradhapura, symbolizing the deep roots of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Establishing Buddhism in Sri Lanka
Aritta, the King’s Minister, entered the Order on Vap Poya, a crucial step in firmly establishing Buddhism on the island, as advised by Arahant Mahinda. The day also sees the continuation of the Katina Pinkama, an observance lasting a lunar month until the November full moon day. During the Buddha’s time, this period, known as ‘Wassana Kalo,’ marked the rainy retreat when monks stayed inside their temples. Lay people provided daily meals and other necessities, a tradition upheld even in modern times.
The post-Vap Poya period signals the end of Buddhist Lent, marking Buddha’s return to earth after preaching the Abhidamma in Tavatimsa.
Harmony of Agriculture and Spirituality
Amidst these spiritual celebrations, the October monsoon rains usher in the Maha paddy season. Vap Magula, a special plowing ceremony, becomes a symbolic act led by the Head of State and farmers, signifying the beginning of sowing the nation’s staple diet – rice. The intersection of agricultural traditions and spiritual observances during Vap Poya reflects a harmonious blend of sustenance and spirituality in Sri Lanka.
Public Holiday and Spiritual Reflection
As Buddhists participate in age-old religious activities during this public holiday, the full moon day of Vap, the seventh month in the Sinhalese calendar, takes center stage. It’s a time to reflect on the richness of traditions, the deep spiritual roots of Buddhism, and the enduring tapestry of cultural practices that continue to shape the identity of Sri Lankan Buddhists.
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