CELEBRATING THE MEMORIAL DAY OF VENERABLE ANANDA, THE 8TH DAY OF THE 8TH LUNAR MONTH, BUDDHIST ERA 2565

/Since ancient times, the Dharma has been transmitted,
Once transmitted, it is said there is no Dharma,
Each person must awaken for themselves,
Once awakened, there is no "no-Dharma" either./

Venerable Ananda, also known as Venerable Ānanda, was of royal lineage, a cousin of the Buddha, and the younger brother of Devadatta. Venerable Ananda was a rare and remarkable talent in this world, possessing an extraordinary mind that allowed him to remember every teaching the Buddha gave day after day throughout the 25 years he served as the Buddha's personal attendant. Venerable Ananda was also among the monks whose bearing was dignified and strikingly beautiful. For this reason, Bodhisattva Manjushri once praised him, saying:

"His countenance like the full autumn moon,
His eyes as clear as the blue lotus,
The Buddha's teachings, vast as the ocean,
All poured into Ananda's heart."

From childhood, Venerable Ananda bore many auspicious marks and displayed remarkable intelligence. On one occasion, when the Buddha returned to the city of Kapilavastu to visit King Suddhodana and his royal relatives, Ananda followed the Buddha and entered monastic life. After Ananda had become a monk, the Buddha, recognizing his extraordinary memory and understanding how immensely valuable this gift would be for Buddhism and for the Sangha in the times to come, appointed him as his personal attendant. Aware that this was a position of great responsibility, and one that might invite much comment and controversy, Venerable Ananda set forth three conditions to forestall future misunderstanding — and only if the Buddha agreed to them would he accept the role. The three conditions were:

First, Ananda would not wear any of the Buddha's used robes, whether old or new.
Second, if lay devotees invited the Buddha to receive offerings, Ananda would not go ahead of him.
Third, Ananda would not come to see the Buddha outside of the proper time.

With these three conditions, the Buddha and the assembly joyfully consented.

Venerable Ananda rendered immeasurable service to the Buddha and to the Dharma. It is thanks to him that the Buddha's teachings have been preserved and handed down to this day, and will continue to be so in the future. For this reason, we who come after owe him a profound debt of gratitude. In remembrance of Venerable Ananda's virtue and kindness, Vietnamese Buddhists have chosen the 8th day of the 8th lunar month as his memorial day.

CELEBRATING THE MEMORIAL DAY OF VENERABLE ANANDA

, the 8th day of the 8th lunar month,

Diệu Tướng Am

respectfully wishes all Venerable Monks and Nuns, devoted Buddhists, and valued customers

"May body, mind, and wisdom rise toward awakening; may the gate of compassion open ever wider and shine ever brighter."