This month we celebrate the Nikini full moon Poya. This poya marks the anniversary of the first Buddhist council (Sangayana) held after the Supreme Buddha’s passing away. This key to the council’s success was the Treasurer of the Dhamma, venerable Ānanda thera who became an Arahant the night before the first Buddhist council. It was also on a Nikini Full that Venerable Rahula, the son of the Bodhisatta became an Arahant.
Nikini Poya is the second Poya in the Vas season and usually falls during August. The ‘Vas’ retreat which begins with Esala Poya continues through Nikini Poya as well. ‘Vas’ is a period of approximately four months where all Buddhist monks avoid outdoor activities, spending their days in intense spiritual pursuit.
Their relationship with the lay devotees too takes on more meaning, as the monks are considered to be more accessible for discussions and obtaining advice than at other times. This in turn has a very positive impact on the attitudes and outlook of the lay devotees, and it is they who pay attention to the welfare of the Buddhist monks and address their requirements at this time of retreat. It was under a directive of the Buddha all those centuries ago that this retreat was initiated, and it is continued even to this day.
First Dharma Sangayana (Sangha Council)
The most significant event pertaining to Nikini Full Moon Poya day was the first Dhamma Sangayana (convocation) which was held in the Sattapanni Cave in Rajagahanuwara many centuries ago. Three months had passed since the Parinirvana (Nirvana after death) of the Buddha, and the senior disciples of the Blessed One felt a need to enforce certain principles and rules with regard to the behavior of the Maha Sangha.
This wonderful video to commemorate the Nikini Full Moon Poya day was made by 13 year old Yunal Hansana from the Colombo Dhamma Friends English Dhamma School.
From this video, I learned that Nikini Poya Day is the day that Venerable Rahula became an Arahant and the day the First Buddhist Council was held 3 months after Lord Buddha’s Parinibbana. I also learned that on the day before the First Buddhist Council, Venerable Ananda Thera had not attained Arahantship, and Venerable Ananda Thera wanted to attend the Buddhist Council as an Arahant. He took a great effort that night to become an Arahant. Venerable Ananda Thera with a deep mind became an Arahant that night!