The full moon in July marks one of the most important dates in the Buddhist calendar:
Asalha Puja (Esala), the start of the Rains Retreat / Vassa for the Buddhist monastic Sangha, and the day when the Buddha delivered his first formal discourse, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta
('Discourse on Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dhamma').
This date is also known as 'Dhamma Day'.
Ajahn Dhammasiha talks about the meaning of Vassa / Rains Retreat, and encourages us all to dedicate ourselves to enhanced practice for these three months.
In particular, we can use the Four Noble Truths, as explained by the Buddha in his first formal teaching, for contemplation to:
Fully understand suffering 'Dukkha'
Abandon the cause of suffering, craving 'Taṇhā'
Realise the end of suffering, throught the end of craving 'Dukkhanirodha = Nibbāna'
Develop the Noble Eightfold Path in order to weaken and finally transcend all craving and suffering
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