On the Poson full moon poya we celebrate and remember the great gift of Dhamma that Arahant Mahinda brought to the Land of Lanka. In this sermon we learn about the three people who arise in the world for the great benefit of all living beings: a Samma Sambuddha, an arahant disciple of the Supreme Buddha, and a disciple who teaches the Dhamma of a Supreme Buddha.
Poson full-moon poya day (Poson Poya Day, Poson Festival) celebrates the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC, a festival of great historical and religious significance celebrated island-wide by Buddhists. Poson, held on the full moon day of June, commemorates the occasion over 2,000 years ago when Arahat Mahinda, son of Emperor Asoka of India, converted King Devanampiyatissa to Buddhism.
The main center of celebration is Mihintale, the ancient monastic complex where the royal missionary monk Arahant Mahinda preached the first sermon to the ruling king and at Anuradhapura the ancient capital, to which large crowd of pilgrims converge.
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Click below to learn how to visit this ancient site.
Mihintale: Fifteenth of Sixteen Sacred Places in Sri Lanka
Mihintale is the place where Buddhism first blossomed in Sri Lanka.
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A Pilgrimage To Mihintale | Part 1
Before climbing to the top of Mihintale, remember to do this special merit for the great Mihindu Stupa which enshrines the relics of Arahant Anubudu Mihindu Maha Thera (3 min).
An Incomparable View | Mihintale Pilgrimage | Pt 2
This wonderful stupa is built on the sacred land visited by our Supreme Buddha and the great Arahants. It was here where King Devanampiyatissa met Arahant Mihindu Thera for the first time. (3 min)
The Wisdom of King Devanampiyatissa | Mihintale Pilgrimage | Pt 3
In this video, you will learn about how this great monk tested the wisdom of the Lankan king, king Devanampiyatissa… (3 min)
Sela Seya | Mihintale Pilgrimage | Pt 4
This wonderful stupa is built on the sacred land visited by our Supreme Buddha and the great Arahants. It was here where King Devanampiyatissa met Arahant Mihindu Thera for the first time (6 min).
The Sacred Ashtapala Bodhi Tree | A Pilgrimage To Mihintale – Part 5
How many offshoots of the Jaya Shri Maha Bodhi are still alive? (2 min)
Kaludiya Pokuna | A Pilgrimage To Mihintale | Part 6
Find out all the great stories of Arahants that took place around the serene Kaludiya Pokuna (9 min)
Where Great Sages Once Dwelled | A Pilgrimage To Mihintale | Part 7
Experience the indescribable spiritual happiness gained by dwelling and meditating at sacred sites where the Great Sages of the past once dwelled (2 min)
