Ill Poya is steeped in historical and spiritual importance. One of the most notable events commemorated on this day is the passing away of Sariputta, one of the Buddha’s chief disciples. Born in Nalaka, a village in Magadha, India, Sariputta was revered as the most brilliant of the Buddha’s disciples. Realizing that he was close to attaining Nirvana, Arahant Sariputta, with the Buddha’s permission, journeyed to his birthplace with a retinue of bhikkhus to end his cycle of Sansara. During this time, he succeeded in converting his mother, Rupasari, who was of the Brahmin faith, to Buddhism. Sariputta entered Nirvana on an Ill Full Moon Poya day, marking a profound moment in Buddhist history.
Ill Poya is also remembered for another significant event: the Buddha’s commissioning of his first group of missionaries. On this day, the Buddha sent sixty disciples to spread his teachings, instructing them to “preach this pristine Dhamma which is sweet in the beginning, sweet in the middle, and sweet in the end, to all men and Gods out of compassion and love.” This marked the beginning of Buddhist missionary work, spreading the Dhamma to neighboring countries and around the globe.
Moreover, Ill Poya is associated with a significant prediction made by the Buddha regarding the next Buddha, Metteya (Maitreya). The Buddha predicted that Metteya would be born in a kingdom called ‘Kethumathi’ in Benares, to parents Subrahamme and Brahamawathi. Metteya would live a life of luxury before renouncing everything at the age of 18 to seek Enlightenment. After seven days of searching under a Banyan Tree, Metteya would attain Enlightenment, becoming the last of the five Buddhas to walk the earth.
Observance in Sri Lanka
As with all Poya days, Il Full Moon Poya Day is a time for spiritual reflection and religious observance in Sri Lanka. The sale of liquor and meat is prohibited, and most commercial establishments remain closed, allowing the nation to collectively participate in this sacred day. The observance of Il Poya is a reminder of the profound teachings of the Buddha and the spiritual journey that continues to inspire millions of Buddhists around the world.