On Magha Puja, the Full Moon in February, 1,250 Arahant Disciples gathered spontaneously, without prior announcement, around the Buddha in the Veḷuvana (Bamboo Grove Monastery) in Rajagaha. All of these 1,250 Arahants were ordained by the Buddha personally.The Buddha then recites the famous 'Ovāda-Pāṭimokkha', a summary of the teachings of all Buddhas in 16 lines of verse:"Abstain from any evil deed,accomplish what is good and true,And fully purify your mind -That is what all the Buddhas teach.Enduring patience is the bestof all ascetic practices;The best of everything at allis called Nibbāna by the sage.If you cause harm to anyoneyou can't be called a genuine monk!Refrain from harming and abuse,and strictly keep the Buddha's rules;Be moderate when taking food,and dwell alone in solitudedevoted to the Higher Mind -That is what all the Buddhas teach."Dhp 183-185Ajahn Dhammasiha offers reflections on the profound meaning of these verses, which are taught not only by our Buddha Gotama, but by all Buddhas when and wherever they arise. They contitute a core teaching, the essence of the Dhamma spoken by every Buddha. Consequently, every line, even every single word, is of supreme importance.www.dhammagiri.netwww.facebook.com/dhammagiri-forest-hermitagewww.youtube.com/channel/UCJINt0JJBfFm_x0FZcU9QJwwww.tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive