Devout Buddhists and friends throughout the
Kingdom observed Makha Bucha Day last Friday, at local temples
everywhere. This holy day commemorates when 1,250 disciples traveled to
meet with Lord Buddha with no prearranged agreement at Weluwan
Mahawiharn Temple in the area of Rachakhryha, India.
Pratchaya Kerdthong
Pattaya Buddhists turned out at temples throughout
the area to celebrate Makha Bucha Day (Buddhist All Saints Day) Friday,
Feb. 18. Since it was a Friday, Pattaya was filled visitors who had
escaped the cities and flocked to the beach for the long weekend.
Buddhist monks mark Makha Bucha Day by chanting prayers at the Buddhist
sanctuary.
This holy day commemorates when 1,250 disciples
traveled to meet with Lord Buddha with no prearranged agreement at
Weluwan Mahawiharn Temple in the area of Rachakhryha, India.
In Pattaya, thousands of devout Buddhists turned out
at local temples to conduct ceremonies that have been performed
throughout Buddhist history, and make merit for themselves and their
families.
The morning ceremonies were filled with people
presenting offerings to the monks, performing “tak baht” and
listening to monks preach the Dharma, or teachings, of the Buddha.
Ceremonies were continued in the evening, with many
people performing the “Wien Thien” whereby believers light
candles and circle the temple’s prayer room three times, paying homage
to the “Triple Gem” or the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.
Worshipping or ‘Bucha’ occurs on the 15th Day
of the waning moon of the third lunar month, or ‘Makha’. This
year the event fell on February 18.
The day gained official recognition in Thailand
during the reign of King Rama IV and became a nationally observed day
with all government institutions closing down and observing the rituals
associated with Buddhist commandments.
People are sprinkled with holy water from a Buddhist monk.
Disseminating the Buddha’s teachings and the journey
to meet with the Buddha on the 15th night of the 3rd lunar month are
part of the historical events that include the sermons and truths spoken
by the Buddha.
Having good intentions, not harming others, avoiding
evil actions and making the heart and mind pure in thought were among
the truths spoken by the Buddha. Additionally, other truths spoken by
the Buddha cautioned individual restraint in all that attracts one’s
attention, to include desiring possessions belonging to others, and
exploiting others for personal gain.
Literally thousands of guests visit Wat Chaimongkol on Makha Bucha Day.
Before departing, the Buddha also referred to the
people’s interest in making merit, gaining self-esteem and a comfortable
reassurance that moral integrity exists. More importantly, having faith
in the “Triple Gem” (Phraratanatrai) was illustrated by emphasizing the
importance of avoiding drunken, irresponsible and immoral behavior, and
maintaining focus on supporting loved ones while being content in one’s
existence with friends and without selfish greed.
Wat Chaimongkol Abbott Maha Jongsak Jaruwanno said
the temple’s Buddhist ceremonies each year draw large numbers of
foreigners in addition to Thai devotees. At this year’s “Wien Thien”
ceremony, a number of foreigners joined in.
After completing the marching rite, monks went inside
to pass along the Buddha’s teachings and present offerings of flowers,
candles and incense.
