Asalha Puja commemorates the day on which the Buddha delivered his first post-enlightenment sermon to the Five Ascetics (pañcavaggiya) in the Sarnath Deer Park. This “Setting the Wheel of Dhamma into Motion” discourse outlines the essence of Buddhism: the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.

The vassa is the three-month rainy season (in South and Southeast Asia), usually July-October, in which monks are required to reside in a single place and not wander freely about. It is also a period in which monastics typically dedicate themselves to intensive Dhamma practice. 

This year, Asalha Puja falls on Wednesday, July 29, and the Vassa (three-month rains retreat) begins on Thursday, July 30. You are invited to join us for the traditional ceremonies on those dates. In addition, we will observe Asalha Puja and the Start of the Vassa on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

Schedule — Sunday, August 2, 2026
10:30 a.m. Alms round
11:00 a.m. Lunch offering
11:10 a.m. Sermon by Phra Kru Palat Anandapanyo
12:00 p.m. Vassa candle offering and Sangha-dana
12:30 p.m. Chanting
12:45 p.m. Candle procession ceremony

For more information call: (415) 753-0857 or email: watsanfran@yahoo.com