Sayadaw U Silananda - Buddha's First Sermon - The Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dhamma - 1 of 3

Full moon days have a special significance for Theravada buddhists because according to Theravada traditions the important events in the life of the Buddha happened on full moon days.
His conception took place on a full moon day of July, he was born on a full moon day of May, he became a Buddha on a full day of May and he also died on a full moon day of May.
After he became the Buddha he spent seven weeks under and within the vicinity of the Bodhi tree. During the eighth week he thought of teaching the Dhamma and he decided to teach the Dhamma to his former five disciples who are at a considerable distance from where he was at that time.
According to the commentaries he went to them on foot on the full moon day of July and on the evening of that day he delivered his first sermon to the five disciples. Since it was his first sermon, it's important to students of buddhism.
In that first discourse he briefly stated that those who have gone forth should not follow the path of sensual enjoyment on one hand and self-modification on the other. He added that by avoiding these two extremes he had realized what he called the middle practice that is popularly known as the middle way.
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Note: We plan to add Closed Caption to this talk. If you could help in transcribing it please send us an email at [email protected].
Thanks,
Tathagata Meditation Center
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