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Dhamma Training GroundSīla · Samādhi · Paññā

Spiritual Events

Uposatha Observance Days

The fortnightly lunar observance — precepts renewed, a longer sitting, a quieter day.

Uposatha — observance day — falls twice each lunar month, on the full and new moons. It is one of the oldest continuously kept practices in the world.

On uposatha the community gathers to renew the precepts, sit longer than usual, and hear a short teaching. Some members take up the eight precepts for the day; most keep five.

For the live, up-to-date dates see the Calendar.

What happens on the day

The community gathers, the precepts are renewed aloud, and a longer period of sitting practice follows. On the full moon this is usually the fuller observance; on the new moon it tends to be shorter, with a brief teaching. Some members take up the eight precepts for the day; most keep five. Nothing about the day requires prior experience.

Morning light falling across the hall on an observance day
An observance day begins quietly, before the community arrives.

How to take part

  • Simply arrive — there is nothing to book and nothing to prepare.
  • Ask at the door if you would like the precepts and the day's shape explained first.
  • Stay for as much or as little of the day as suits you.