On the Full Moon Day of Waso, the Blessed One performed four great acts:
-
He entered the mother’s womb with mindfulness and clear comprehension (Paṭisandhi – conception).
-
He renounced the worldly life to strive toward Buddhahood (Renunciation).
-
He delivered the First Discourse — the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta — to the group of five ascetics (Pañcavaggiyas).
-
He performed the first display of supernormal powers (Yamakapāṭihāriya) at the White Mango Grove near Sāvatthī to inspire the faithful assembly of the Fourfold Saṅgha.
Pāli Verse:
"Bahūpakārā kho pana me pañcavaggiyā bhikkhū, ye maṃ padhānapahitattam upaṭṭhahiṃsu. Yaṃ nūnāhaṃ pañcavaggiyānaṃ bhikkhūnaṃ paṭhamaṃ dhammaṃ deseyyaṃ."
Meaning:
“The group of five monks rendered me great service, for they attended to me with devotion while I was earnestly engaged in striving for Enlightenment. So, it would be well if I were to teach them the Dhamma first.”
The five ascetics (pañcavaggiyas) had served the Bodhisatta faithfully, offering assistance and care during his ascetic practices even before he attained Enlightenment. Out of gratitude and proper timing, the Buddha chose them as the first recipients of his Dhamma.
Therefore, on this sacred Full Moon Day of Waso, may devoted Buddhists around the world mindfully reflect upon these profound events and strive ever more diligently in the meritorious acts of generosity (dāna), morality (sīla), and mental cultivation (bhāvanā).
Let us all:
-
Visit the Mahābodhi Tree, where the Buddha attained Enlightenment, to honor the sacred site.
-
Recite and pay homage through the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta and the Paṭṭhāna Desanā.
-
Support and contribute to occasions that uphold these meritorious traditions.
May all donors and devotees who assist and support such sacred observances receive a share in this noble merit.
Let us all rejoice and call out joyfully
— Sādhu! Sādhu! Sādhu!
