The Abhidhamma Day: Continuous recitation of Maha Pathana Dhamma Discourse

On the Full Moon Day of Thadingyut (the Abhidhamma Day), the opening ceremony of the seven-day, continuous recitation of the Maha Patthana Great Discourses, organized by the Shan State Government, was held on October 6 at 6:30 AM in the Dhamma Hall of the Sula Muni Loka-Chantha Pagoda, the landmark pagoda of Taunggyi City in Shan State (South).

First, the Shan State Chief Minister U Aung Aung, offered flowers, water, alms, and oil lamps to the Buddha image in the Dhamma Hall of the Sula Muni Loka-Chantha Pagoda. Then, the Chief Minister and his wife, the State Chief Justice and his wife, State Ministers, the State Advocate General, and other responsible officials offered the morning meal to the presiding Sayadaw and members of the Sangha.

Afterwards, the guests, led by the State Chief Minister, received the Five Precepts from the Presiding Sayadaw of the Taunggyi Sunlon Gu Kammatthana Monastery, and listened reverently to the Paritta Suttas.

Subsequently, the Chief Minister and attendees offered donation items to the Sayadaw and Sangha members. They then reverently listened to the Dhamma and shared the merits of all the offerings by pouring libation water.

Afterwards, the Sayadaw, members of Sangha, and the lay devotees recited the Patthana Paccayuddesa  Pali text, and the Patthanabhānaka Sangha took turns reciting and venerating the sacred Patthana text.

Later, the State Chief Minister and responsible officials offered flowers, water, and oil lamps to the Buddha statue at the Sula Muni Loka-Chantha Pagoda, circumambulated the pagoda to pay homage, and warmly greeted devotees who had come from various regions to visit the pagoda on this Abhidhamma Day.

It is learned that this Patthana recitation ceremony will be held continuously for seven days, from October 6 to October 12.