Navam Poya & the Legacy of Sariputta & Moggallana: A Buddhist Tradition Unfolds | Calm Mind

Navam Poya & the Legacy of Sariputta & Moggallana: A Buddhist Tradition Unfolds.

    Every year, as the first full moon of February illuminates the skies of Sri Lanka, millions of Buddhists gather to observe Navam Full Moon Poya Day a public holiday steeped in spiritual reverence. This sacred day, occasionally falling in late January due to lunar cycles, commemorates two pivotal moments in Buddhist history: the appointment of Sariputta and Moggallana as the Buddha’s chief disciples and the inaugural Buddhist Council that preserved his teachings. For Sri Lankans and Buddhists worldwide, Navam Poya is not just a day off work but a vibrant call to embrace Dhamma practice, inspired by the wisdom of these legendary monks and the early Sangha.

The Twin Pillars of Navam Poya: Discipleship and Preservation

Navam Poya’s significance lies in its dual focus. First, it honors the formal recognition of Sariputta (Sariyuth) and Moggallana (Mugalan) as the Aggasavakes the Buddha’s foremost disciples. Their leadership set a timeless standard for monastic excellence. Second, it marks the First Buddhist Council, convened three months after the Buddha’s passing, where 500 enlightened monks codified the Vinaya (monastic rules) and Suttas (discourses). Together, these events shaped the future of Buddhism, ensuring its teachings remained unbroken for millennia.

Sariputta and Moggallana: Embodiments of Wisdom and Devotion

Their Journey to Enlightenment

Sariputta and Moggallana’s journey from ascetic seekers to the Buddha’s right-hand men is a tale of friendship and spiritual triumph. Born into Brahmin families, they renounced wealth to pursue enlightenment. After encountering the Buddha’s teachings, Sariputta became renowned for his analytical wisdom, often likened to a “mother who gives birth to disciples,” while Moggallana mastered psychic powers, symbolizing the transformative power of meditation. Their complementary strengths Sariputta’s intellectual depth and Moggallana’s meditative prowess made them indispensable to the Sangha.

The Buddha’s Choice of Disciples

The Buddha’s choice of these two as chief disciples was no accident. Sariputta’s ability to clarify complex doctrines helped lay followers and monks alike grasp the Dhamma’s nuances. Moggallana, meanwhile, used his supernatural abilities to protect the Sangha from harm and demonstrate the tangible benefits of mindfulness. Their lives exemplify the balance between scholarship and practice a lesson as relevant today as it was 2,500 years ago.

The First Buddhist Council: Safeguarding the Teachings

Three months after the Buddha’s Parinibbana (final passing), his closest disciple Mahakassapa convened the First Council in Rajagaha. Fearful that the teachings might fade, 500 arahants (enlightened monks) gathered to recite and verify the Buddha’s words.

• Ananda, the Buddha’s attendant, reproduced the Suttas with photographic precision.
• Upali, a Vinaya expert, recited the monastic code.

This meticulous oral preservation became the foundation of the Pali Canon, Buddhism’s earliest scriptures.

For Navam Poya, this event underscores the importance of unity and accuracy in transmitting Dhamma. Just as the early Sangha prioritized collective responsibility, modern Buddhists are reminded to approach teachings with care, avoiding distortion or personal bias.

Practicing Dhamma Today: Lessons from the Aggasavakes

Navam Poya invites Buddhists to mirror Sariputta and Moggallana’s dedication. Here’s how their legacy can guide contemporary practice:

1. Cultivate Wisdom (Panna)

Sariputta’s clarity teaches us to study scriptures deeply. On Navam Poya, families might read the Maha Satipatthana Sutta or discuss the Four Noble Truths, fostering intellectual engagement with Dhamma.

2. Deepen Meditation (Samadhi)

Moggallana’s mastery of jhana (meditative absorption) highlights the need for consistent practice. Devotees often spend the day in silent retreats or group meditation sessions at temples like Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery.

3. Live Ethically (Sila)

Observing the Eight Precepts abstaining from gossip, luxury, and evening meals on Poya days reinforces moral discipline, mirroring the Vinaya’s emphasis on purity.

4. Serve the Sangha

Volunteering at temples, offering alms to monks, or supporting Dhamma schools honors the communal spirit of the First Council.

Navam Poya in Modern Sri Lanka: A Tapestry of Faith

From the bustling streets of Kandy to serene village viharas, Navam Poya unites Sri Lankans in shared rituals. At dawn, devotees clad in white flock to temples, carrying lotus flowers and oil lamps. Monks recite the Maha Mangala Sutta, extolling blessings like “associating with the wise” and “cultivating a calm mind”. In homes, families abstain from meat, engage in Dhamma talks, and reflect on the Aggasavakes’ virtues.

For youth, Navam Poya is both a cultural anchor and a chance to explore identity. Schools organize essay contests on Buddhist history, while social media buzzes with #NavamPoya posts sharing teachings and temple selfies. This blend of tradition and modernity ensures the Dhamma remains dynamic.

Conclusion

Navam Full Moon Poya is more than a historical milestone it’s a living tradition that continues to inspire Buddhists worldwide. Whether through studying scriptures, meditating, ethical living, or serving the Sangha, we can follow in the footsteps of Sariputta and Moggallana, embracing the path to Nibbana with wisdom and dedication.

FAQs

1. What is the significance of Navam Full Moon Poya?
It commemorates the appointment of Sariputta and Moggallana as chief disciples and the First Buddhist Council that preserved the Buddha’s teachings.

2. How did Sariputta and Moggallana contribute to Buddhism?
Sariputta was known for his wisdom and deep understanding of the Dhamma, while Moggallana excelled in meditation and supernatural abilities.

3. How can we apply Sariputta and Moggallana’s teachings today?
By cultivating wisdom, practicing meditation, observing ethical conduct, and serving the Buddhist community.

4. How do Sri Lankans celebrate Navam Poya?
They visit temples, observe precepts, meditate, offer alms, and engage in Dhamma discussions.

5. What role did the First Buddhist Council play in Buddhism?
It safeguarded the Buddha’s teachings, ensuring their accurate transmission for future generations.

Namo Buddhaya!