Let's Observe the Eight Precepts Four Times a Month!
Poya Calendar
If you are new to observing the eight precepts, you may want to start by observing them on just one day each month. You can gradually increase the number of days you observe the eight precepts as you become more comfortable with them.
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Let's Observe the Eight Precepts Four Times a Month!
The Buddha encouraged his disciples to observe the eight precepts as often as possible. Many Buddhists observe them on the full moon, but you may also like to follow them on the new and half moons.
Here is a schedule for observing the eight precepts four times a month:
– October
◐ Friday, October 6
⬤ Saturday, October 14 (Full moon)
◑ Sunday, October 22
◯ Saturday, October 28
– November
◐ Sunday, November 5
⬤ Sunday, November 12 (Full moon)
◑ Monday, November 20
◯ Sunday, November 26
– December
◐ Tuesday, December 5
⬤ Tuesday, December 12 (Full moon)
◑ Thursday, December 19
◯ Thursday, December 26
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In my previous life, I was a housewife in the human world. I did not envy anyone. I was not greedy, nor was I arrogant. I was obedient to my husband and did not get angry at him. I was eager to observe the Eight Precepts four times a month on each of the four moon phases. I led a restrained life and was very generous.
Bhante, the Supreme Buddha declared that I have attained the fruit of once returner.
Uttara’s Mansion
Vimāna Vatthu
Virtue is the foundation and base for wholesome qualities. Virtue is like a mother for all good qualities. Virtue is the foremost of all good qualities. Therefore, one should make one’s virtue pure.
The mind is like the great ocean. Virtue is like its beach. Virtue, the dock of merit of all Buddhas, gives joy and restraint. Therefore, one should make one’s virtue pure.
Verses of Arahant Sīlava
Thera gāthā
In the human world, I lived in the beautiful city of Rajagaha. My name was Sunanda and I was a female lay disciple of the Supreme Buddha. I had faith, virtue and was very generous. I had great confidence in the noble monks with pure minds. I offered them robes, food, resting places, and lamps.
I was eager to observe the Eight Precepts four times a month on each of the four moon phases. I led a restrained life and delighted in sharing.
Beautiful-Eyed Goddess
Vimāna Vatthu
Taking the Eight Precepts
Imitating great arahants, I follow these precepts for happiness in this life, for rebirth in heaven, and to realize the Four Noble Truths in this Gautama Buddha’s Dispensation.
