The rainy season began three months ago (esala) , generally
we called as ‘Vassana Kalo’ and it comes to an end with the Vap Poya. Katina
season starts in the Buddhist Calendar with the month of Vap, which is
popularly known as “Cheevara Masaya”.
This symbols the donating of the
Katina Cheevara or new robes to Buddhist monks, who observed ‘Vas’-Rainy
Retreat beginning from Esala to Vap.
The donating of Katina Cheevara
is deliberated a meritorious deed for the Buddhist. Therefore, Vap Poya is very
significant and important. The lay devotees, in procession, carry the Katina
Cheevaraya to the temple.
“It is believed that those persons who participate in Katina
religious activities get so much of merit that they live a happy life in this
world as well as once they cross the border.”
It was on a Vap Full Moon Poya
day that the Buddha ended His seventh (Vassana) retreat for the rainy season
since His Enlightenment which He had spent in the celestial abode of Tavatissa.
There He had engaged in preaching Abhidhamma to the devas and deities headed by
Matrudeva.
Buddhist history reveals another important landmark which is
connected to Vap Full Moon Poya Day; for it was on such a day that the future
Buddha, Maitriya Bodhisatva, entered the order with a retinue of 500 followers.
Furthermore, Vap Poya paved the way for the arrival of
Sangamitta Theri. The advent of Buddhism took place with the advent of
‘Dhammarajassa Savaka’ Arahat Mahinda Thera. King Devanampiyatissa’s
sister-in-law Anula, was very keen to enter the Order of Bhikkunis. Therefore,
the King made a request to Emperor Asoka to send Sanghamitta Theri.
The appointment of Sariputta Maha Thera as the Chief
Disciple of the Buddha took place on this important day of Vap Poya.
May the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem and the protection
of the devas be with you!
Source
The Island
Sunday Observer
Composed By Kasun Gayasri
