Nayon

Lord Buddha preached the Maha Samaya Sutta to the two warring kingdoms, Koliya and Kapilavastu. The kingdoms were in conflict over the water resources of the Rohini River, which were scarce at the time. Despite their efforts to secure this vital resource, Buddha intervened and facilitated peace between the two kingdoms by reciting the Maha Samaya Sutta. Subsequently, 500 princes from these kingdoms joined the monk-hood. On the occasion of the Maha Samay Day celebration on the full moon day of Nayon, the Board of Trustees at the Shwedagon Pagoda, along with volunteer groups and staff members, begin the festivities before sunrise. They offer alms, flowers, water, fruit, candles, and incense to the pagoda at the visitors’ pavilion at the southern gate. At the Yaung Taw Phwint Pavilion, Ovadacariya Sayadaws and monks receive food and other offerings. Following this, the Sayadaw recites the Maha Samaya Sutta, rejoices, and shares merit. At seven in the morning, various task members and the Board of Trustees gather at the ancient Buddha images pavilion, displaying representations of Kapilavastu and Koliya in two groups. They then circle around the pagoda clockwise. The entourage proceeds to the Chan Thar Gyi pavilion and recites the Maha Samaya Sutta to commemorate Maha Samaya Day. At Htee Taw Yon pavilion, members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees, Public Service personnel, and sundry task groups, specifically, 25 members from each of these groups, will participate in reciting the Dhammasetkya 11 days ahead of the full moon day of Waso. This collective recitation symbolizes a unified movement involving staff, various groups, and the Pagoda Board of Trustees.