Vipassana Meditation Master
Acharavadee Wongsakon
We are all familiar with the term “major Buddhist Day.” In fact, we hear it so often that we may not stop to ask where it comes from or what it truly means. I’d like to begin with the information from Wikipediaas follows:
“A Buddhist Day – also called Dhamma Savana Day or Uposatha Day – is a day when Buddhists gather to practice religious activities. These include observing moral precepts and listening to teachings of the Dhamma. The word Dhamma Savana literally means “listening to Dhamma teachings.”
These days follow the lunar calendar and occur four times each month:
- The 8th day of the waxing moon
- The full moon (15th day of the waxing moon)
- The 8th day of the waning moon
- The 14th or 15th day of the waning moon (dependingon the month)
Originally, such gathering days were a tradition of non-Buddhist ascetics. In the early days of Buddhism, the Buddha had not yet established this practice. Later, King Bimbisara suggested that Buddhists should also have a day to gather and discuss teachings. The Buddha then permitted monks to assemble on these lunar days to meet and discuss among themselves and share the Dhamma with people. These days, on the Tripitaka, are called Uposatha Days. (the 8th day of the waxing moon) or Long Uposatha Days (the 14th or 15th day of the waning moon depending on the month)”
From a spiritual perspective, performing good deeds on important Buddhist Days which are also considered major Buddhist Days generates stronger merit than on ordinary days. Why?
Because the “energy” or atmosphere of these days is different.
Across all levels of existence – whether heavenly realms, divine realms, or the human world – there is a collective shift. Minds become more inclined toward goodness. As a result, the “energy of Dhamma” becomes stronger. When people align their mind with goodness on such a day, their merit is naturally amplified.
On a typical day, people are busy with their lives. Their minds are distracted, constantly reacting to various emotions and situations. They may not seriously intend to keep moral precepts. For example, someone may decide, “I won’t drink alcohol today.” But in the evening, when friends invite them to socialize, they give in. Why? Because there isn’t enough spiritual energy to support their will to go against the tide.
But on a major Buddhist holidays, millions of Buddhists reflect on the Buddha’s compassion and teachings. They simultaneously turn their minds toward doing good. This creates a powerful collective “wave” of wholesome intention. Because of this, it is easier to keep precepts, easier to resist temptation, and even small acts of goodness gain greater strength.
It’s like being carried upward by a strong current of positive energy.
Let me give you a simple analogy. Think of a very popular TV drama. When the series became a nationwide sensation, everyone involved benefits, not just the main actors, but also writers, supporting actors, and even those who appeared briefly. Why? Because they are part of a powerful trend or “wave” that lifts everyone within it.
In the same way, when you participate in a time filled with strong spiritual energy, even small, good actions receive greater results.
So, in the spiritual sense even simple acts like chanting, giving donations, and doing small, good deeds will generate more merit. And if the actions require stronger intention and effort – such as keeping moral precepts strictly, practicing meditation, performing acts of virtue, and protecting and supporting Buddhism then the merit becomes even greater.
When these actions are done with sincere intention – such as making merits as act of gratitude and respect for their families, ancestors or spiritual masters – the blessings increase even more. Over time, this builds up a strong foundation of goodness in the mind, encouraging a person to continue doing good. In doing so, it has become an accumulation of Perfections (Parami).
This article doesn’t mean that we should only do good on major Buddhist Days. Goodness should be practiced every day. However, for those whose minds are not yet strong, these special days serve as an opportunity to reflect on their actions, to recognize mistakes, and to stop blaming others and instead examine their own weaknesses. Even if we cannot be perfect every day, we should at least strive to do good consistently particularly during important periods.
The true purpose of these Buddhist holidays is meant for self-reflection: what mistakes have we made, what temptations have we fallen into, are we ready to stop repeating them.
When the spiritual energy is strong, we should use it to stop doing wrong, do more good things, and purify the mind.
Finally, a gentle reminder: during long holidays, people often focus only on travel and relaxation. Why not dedicate some of that time to goodness too?
Life is long, and the cycle of Samsara continues. Without merit as our foundation, we risk falling into suffering.
Take advantage of these powerful moments. Join the current of goodness and let it elevate your mind.
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