Uposatha Days are days dedicated to renewing one’s commitment to the practice of the Dhamma, observed by both monks and nuns as well as lay followers in Theravada Buddhist monasteries around the world.
On the days of the four phases of the moon—new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter—at Panñagiri, after the evening meditation and chanting, there is a short pause, and then Ajahn Ñāṇadassano offers a reflection on the Dhamma. This is followed by a period of sitting or walking meditation that lasts until midnight.
Especially on the days of the new moon and full moon, before the reflection, the resident lay community takes the Eight Precepts in a brief ceremony (from 8:15 to 8:30 p.m.) to support their meditation practice and revitalize their commitment to the practice of the Dhamma.
Uposatha days are periods of reflection and practice to which everyone is invited.
Schedule:
- 5:00 p.m.: Tea (Questions for the Ajahn)
- 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Meditation and chanting
- 8:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.: Short break
- 8:15 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: Dhamma reflection offered by Ajahn Ñāṇadassano
- 9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.: Seated or walking meditation.
The day following a lunar day is a day of rest, and there are no morning or evening meditations.
Uposatha Days Calendar
Note: The Uposatha Days calendar is determined by a traditional formula specific to each tradition and not based on the lunar calendar itself. Therefore, these dates do not always coincide with the astronomical dates of the lunar phases.