Buddhist Observation Days

Observance Days are based on the traditional Buddhist calendar of new, full and quarter moons. During new and full moon days, or Uposatha Days, monks would gather to listen to the recitation of the Patimokkha rules. The weekly observance of the quarter moon is when lay devotees gather in the local monastery to observe the precept more strictly and listen to and speak about Dhamma. The basic, minimum standard is the 5 precepts for practicing lay Buddhists. However, on Observance days (or other special occasion) they may decide to train under the Eight Precepts, which brings them closer to how the monk or nun practices.