Dhamma Wheel Buddhist Forum

Happy uposatha to all of you who are observing the 8 precepts today! Be well!

Ignoramus questions of the week:

Is uposatha observed on the full AND new moon(s)?

If the new moon is on the 16th why is the above post dated the 17th?

yes, and the quater moon. they are happen every 6-8 days.

I observed my first Uposatha day last week. I don't think I did too badly, but before I observe tomorrow, I would like to ask for some pointers.

Last time I turned on the computer in order to use it to listen to a couple of Dhamma talks online, however, out of habit I did find myself logging in to facebook and msn. How important is it that I keep strictly to the 8 precepts? if I find myself indulging in entertainment, is it okay that I simply notice the fact and then stop as soon as I notice (as I did last time)? or would it be better not to even turn the computer on in the first place?

I plan to dedicate my day to meditation and Dhamma study, I'm guessing this is what we are meant to do on Uposatha days, however is there anything else that I might wish to do to strengthen my practice?

Best wishes
Laurens

Laurens,

Excellent questions, too bad I'm not qualified to answer out of anything except for my own experience. As a general rule, I like to be as strict as possible about the observance of the precepts whether they be 5, 8, 10, 12 or 227 (not that I've undertaken the patimokkha in this lifetime). An despite the fact that I am strict with myself about the precepts that doesn't mean I don't goof up occasionally-it just means I don't blur the lines for myself and see my akusala kamma for what it is. As for noticing when we're doing something wrong and ceasing to do so I think that doing so is one of the best definitions of right mindfulness. Sounds like you're off to a great start to me but please don't hesitate to ask more knowledgeable folk than me for pointers. Also, if you haven't joined our Facebook club, we have a thread for Confession of Faults so we can air out those slip-ups and get on with our practice. May you be well, happy and at peace!

Metta,

Mike

The calendar of Uposatha days is calculated using a complex traditional formula that is loosely based on the lunar calendar, with the result that the dates do not always coincide with the actual astronomical dates. To further complicate matters, each sect within Theravada Buddhism tends to follow a slightly different calendar.

Because local Sanghas do not observe Uposatha or have traditions for this, I have been doing this on my own. Is it important to observe the date identified on the calendar, or to observe the actual moon phase date. For example, the quarter moon was Tuesday, but the calendar identifies THursday as the day of observance.

Monkey Mind wrote:

The calendar of Uposatha days is calculated using a complex traditional formula that is loosely based on the lunar calendar, with the result that the dates do not always coincide with the actual astronomical dates. To further complicate matters, each sect within Theravada Buddhism tends to follow a slightly different calendar.

Because local Sanghas do not observe Uposatha or have traditions for this, I have been doing this on my own. Is it important to observe the date identified on the calendar, or to observe the actual moon phase date. For example, the quarter moon was Tuesday, but the calendar identifies THursday as the day of observance.

I'd say whichever you think is easier to routinely do! but the observance is worked out according to a special calculation I believe so that is why it is sometimes different.

Manapa wrote: but the observance is worked out according to a special calculation I believe so that is why it is sometimes different.

Thank you.

Happy Uposatha Everyone! May everyone observing reap great fruit and benefit!

Happy Uposatha!

Happy Uposatha Day! It's great to finally able to do something worthwhile on New Year's Eve! Metta.

Mike

yes great way to start the new year..
metta

Happy Uposatha Day!

Observing uposatha days is one of my resolutions for the New Year. I've been going by the actual phases of the moon as seen from Japan, where I live.

It's nice having the day to reorient myself. And, I'm finding that it's actually a bonus that the days are completely at odds with the solar calendar, since it prevents them from feeling like a routine, like it might feel if they were simply every Saturday or Sunday.

I'd like to find a bhikkhu in my area to visit for dana.

Yuuki,

Sounds like observing the uposatha is going to be a fruitful practice for you. All the best to you! Be well!