Asalha Puja commemorates the day in 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 outlined the essence of Buddhism: the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. 

This year, Asalha Puja falls on Tuesday, August 1 and the vassa (three-month rains retreat) begins on Wednesday, August  2. You are invited to join us for the traditional ceremonies on those dates, however we will also observe Asalha Puja and the start of the vassa on Sunday, July 31 , 2023. 

Schedule

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 a.m. Chanting

12:45 p.m. Candle procession ceremony

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