Dharma Day

Dharma Day, also known as Asala is when Buddhists from the Theravada tradition celebrate the teachings of the Buddha. Dharma refers to the Buddha’s body of teachings for the path to enlightenment, and the day celebrates the Buddha’s first sermon.

Who celebrates?

Buddhists around the world.

How do people celebrate?

• Buddhists will visit their local temple for teachings, chanting and praying
• Offerings are given of food, candles and flowers
• Many will also observe Vassa by abstaining from eating meat, alcohol or smoking.

What should I know?

• It takes place on the full moon so the date changes each year
• Buddhas teachings have 4 noble truths; suffering, the knowledge that suffering is caused by craving, that there is the state of Nirvana beyond those things and that the path to Nirvana is the Noble Eightfold Path
• In the 2011 census 0.5% of the UK identified as Buddhist.

How can I support others?

• Ask people if they or their families will be celebrating
• Use the additional resources to learn more about Buddhism
• Ask people about their faith and whether they’d be willing to share what it means to them
• Familiarise yourself with the diversity of religion in your area and how representative your organisation is of the community you serve.

London Buddhist Centre: Dharma Day video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHcyahcNWKo

BBC: Dharma Day: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zd4dtfr/revision/2