July 25, 2024 at 6:11 am
#50975
Keymaster
“Uposata” is to dedicate a day once a week or once a month (usually a full Moon day) to try to live like an Arahant, i.e., to abstain from immoral deeds or even engage in “sensual/pleasurable activities,” including sex.
- This is a common practice in Asian Buddhist countries. People spend the whole day in a temple, although it can also be done at home.
Such a practice existed even before Prince Siddhartha attained Buddhahood. It is stated that Queen Mahamaya Devi (Prince Siddhartha’s mother) regularly practiced it.
- It is clear that such a practice originated with Buddha Kassapa, the Buddha before Buddha Gotama.
- Just like concepts like kamma/kamma vipaka also propagated with mundane meanings, that practice was performed with different variations/adoptions by various groups when Prince Siddhartha was born. For example, “nigaṇṭhuposatho” was the practice/rituals adopted by the Jains (followers of Nigaṇṭanathaputta) at that time.
- Apparently, Lady Visākhā followed an incorrect version, and the Buddha explained to her the correct way to practice Uposata in this sutta.