Uposatha: Deepening Practice
Since the time of the historical Buddha, the days of the full moon and new moon have been special days (and nights!) for Buddhist practice. Laypeople living near a monastery might visit, bring offerings, and stay to listen to a dharma talk and meditate with the monks or nuns. If they cannot participate at a monastery, laypeople can still deepen their practice by meditating for a longer time, chanting, reading texts, or giving in a special way. This October 5 is a full moon day. We will celebrate Uposatha by having our normal sitting and break. After the break, SIM Community Mentor Rich Howard will give a brief description of the observance of Uposatha and answer any questions. We will then have an optional period of chanting, sitting, and walking meditation. We may also have another break for tea or additional sessions of chanting. You may stay as long or as short as you like; Rich will stay until midnight or until the last person has left!

There are several suttas that are specifically recommended for study on Uposatha days. Several alternative translations from Access to Insight are listed below; they are not found in “In the Buddha’s Words.”

• Visakhuposatha Sutta (“Discourse to Visakha on the Uposatha with the Eight Practices,” AN 8.43) (translated by Bhikkhu Khantipalo).
• Karaniya-metta Sutta (“Discourse on Loving-kindness,” Sn 1.8) (translated by The Amaravati Sangha) is the most familiar translation; you may also try: (translated by Acharya Buddharakkhita); (translated by Piyadassi Thera); and (translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu).
• Maha-mangala Sutta (“Discourse on Blessings,” Sn 2.4) (translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu); (translated by Narada Thera); (translated by Piyadassi Thera); (translated by Dr. R.L. Soni).
• Ratana Sutta (“Jewel Discourse,” Sn 2.1) (translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu); (translated by Piyadassi Thera).

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