This year’s celebrations welcoming the start of
Buddhist Lent (aka the rains retreat) and Asalaha Bucha Day were the
biggest the city has ever seen. Thousands took part in a variety of
activities over a three-day period, with the decoration of traditional
candles, making merit, listening to sermons and marching to over 20
temples all being part of the festivities.
Prayers
throughout Asalaha Bucha evening...
July 19 saw the beginning of celebrations as children,
teachers and the general public took part in the Lent candle decoration
pageant at Larn Poh, Naklua. Over 20 teams from Pattaya schools and
communities displayed their artistic talents in decorating the 1.2-metre
candles supplied by the city. The candles were traditionally used by monks
during Buddhist Lent to read the teachings of the Buddha through each
night during the three-month rains retreat.
The
Wientian ritual was the main part of evening ceremonies during Asalaha
Bucha.
Teams were given six hours to complete their designs
using a variety of materials costing no more than 5,000 baht in the
process of decorating the candles and their floats for the parade.
Throughout the afternoon residents crammed the area to view shows and
skits, and watch budding artists at work. Each was vying for first place
in the pageant and cash prizes. Pattaya School No 6 team won, receiving
20,000 baht in cash and the opportunity to lead the parade and Pattaya
city’s procession to Wat Boonkanjanaram.
Students
and teachers from Redemptorist School for the Blind arrive at the temple
and prepare to make their offerings.
Early next morning the annual parade took place with
everyone departing Larn Poh at 8.30 a.m. The beautiful procession drew the
interest of visitors, both Thai and foreign, as 20 floats and hundreds of
people from schools, businesses, communities and service clubs made their
way through the city.
The parade made its way to the Dolphin roundabout
before everyone separated off into smaller groups to pay their respects at
over 20 temples in Pattaya and Banglamung.
The
beginnings of the elaborate carving process.
City officials followed the proud team from Pattaya
School No 6 as they led city hall’s procession to Wat Boon. Heading up
the 100-plus teachers, students and officials were Mayor Niran
Wattanasartsathorn and Deputy Mayor Wattana Chantaworanont, as they paid
their respects at the temple and presented the Lent candles.
Elsewhere in the city, students and teachers from the
Redemptorist School for the Blind were preparing for their own annual Khao
Pansaa procession. Led by Aurora Sribuapan, principal and school manager,
the children made their way to the Pothisamphan Temple to make merit and
present candles, flowers and daily items to the monks.
“In this life we are born incomplete, not being able
to see as others do. We must make much merit for the next life in the hope
we will be born complete,” said Aurora. “The children are excited and
very happy to take part in the parade and make merit during the beginning
of Buddhist Lent.”
After presenting the candles and offerings, the temple
abbot spoke to the teachers and students.
“Even if you weren’t born complete, make as much
merit as you can and know how to spend your life wisely. We cannot falter,
even if you are young. Always remember and follow the five aspects that
will help you find happiness whether it is Khao Pansaa or not, it is
festivity within the religion.
“Keep your hearts and minds clear and maintain your
dignity. Make merit, listen to the teachings and observe the temple
guidelines. Your parents have given you the opportunity to learn and make
the best at the school, which is already a great deed for all
concerned.”
On Thursday, July 21 thousands of Buddhists throughout
the city joined the rest of the nation on the Buddhist Holy Day of
Asalabucha.
In the morning, the Pattaya and Banglamung faithful
gathered to make merit and pay respects to the Lord Buddha and listen to
the teachings. The larger temples such as Wat Sawangfa, Chaimongkol,
Pothisamphan and Wat Boonkanjaram were filled with people as they donated
food and goods as part of the belief in helping to make their life better
on this important day.
Over
20 teams took part in the candle decorating pageant this year.
Asalaha Bucha Day is worshipped because of three
important events occurring on the day. Called the “Triple Gem” (the
Buddha, Dharma and Sangha), these commemorate the first sermon given by
the Buddha, called the “Dharmachakapavattama Sutta” concerning the
“Four Noble Truths” presented to the Buddha’s first five disciples.
The sermon set in motion the “Wheel of Dharma”, which is the meaning
of “Dharmachaka”.
The sermon concluded that: 1. All things are a source
of suffering from the constant cycle of birth, disease, old age and death.
2. Desire or the inability to obtain what one desires is the cause of
suffering resulting from cause and effect. 3. Freedom from suffering can
be obtained after the complete cessation of desire. 4. The last of the
Four Noble Truths is the “Middle Way”, or the path between extremes of
asceticism and indulgence leading to the eliminating of desire.
The Eight-Fold Path consists of possessing the correct:
Views, Resolve, Speech, Conduct, Livelihood, Effort, Mindfulness, and
Meditation (or Concentration).
Secondly, the day is considered to be the birth of
Buddhism, as the Buddha departed the location where he obtained his
enlightenment two months earlier and then, coming to a forest area in the
city of Pharansi, he showed favor to five ascetics who became his
followers.
Aurora
Sribuapan, Redemptorist School for the Blind principal and manager leads
the children on their journey.
The third of the Triple Gems is the Sangha. On this
same day, the first person listened to the Buddha’s sermon, realizing
the truths contained therein and becoming the first Buddhist monk. This
created the Buddhist order “Sangha” and the day is known as “Sangha
Day” as well as Asalaha Bucha Day.
During the evening ceremonies the Wientian ritual was
performed with many bringing candles, flowers and joss sticks, completing
three trips walking around the temple area sacred grounds.
One family who annually take part in Asalaha Bucha Day
ceremonies told Pattaya Mail, “We come here every year. Despite this
year being a four-day holiday we haven’t planned to go anywhere because
our intention is to make merit and observe the teachings of the Lord
Buddha during the three months of Buddhist Lent.”
The day following the start of Buddhist Lent (Asalaha
Bucha Day) another important Buddhist holy day begins in Thailand with the
custom called Khao Pansaa. This day falls on the first full moon (1 kham)
of the Buddhist lunar calendar during the eighth month of every year, this
year July 22, and ends on the 15th full moon (15 kham) of the 11th month
of the Buddhist calendar, usually in mid-October. During a leap year it is
identified during the second eighth month.
The
winning entry of the candle decorating pageant leads the procession into
Wat Boonkanjaram.
The term “Khao Pansaa” can also translate to
entering the months of the rainy season when monks return to the temple
for the duration of the rains, usually to the temple where they were
ordained. They stay there for approximately three months. The monks are
not supposed to depart the temple, or stay overnight at any other location
during the months of rain.
Although the rainy season is considered to be longer
than three months, lasting up to four or even more, monks are only
required to remain at the temples for three of the four months. During the
last period of the rainy season they can then go elsewhere when the
“Katin” ceremony is performed presenting robes to the temples.
The custom of Khao Pansaa has continued on to this day with three
classes of ceremonies, a Royal ceremony conducted by the King of Thailand,
ritual ceremonies for devout followers of Buddhism throughout the Kingdom
and ceremonies performed by monks in the temples.
The
“Hongfah” float was a site to behold during the candle procession.
Candles
being made in readiness for Khao Pansaa on July 22.
Mike
Shopping Mall’s float in the candle procession.
The
Pattaya School No 6 team proudly gathers round their winning candle and
first place trophy.
Students
from the Blind School sing and dance their way as they continue on their
journey.
Merit
making and tak baht ceremonies during Asalaha Bucha.
Long-drum
players gave rhythm to the parade participants.
Students
mindfully carry their offerings during the procession.
Teachers
and students from the Redemptorist School for the Blind present their
offerings to the monks as part of the religious ceremonies.
With
candles and joss sticks lit, many recite prayers during Asalaha Bucha Day.
Mayor
Niran Wattanasartsathorn presided over Pattaya’s first buffalo races
last weekend.
It
helps a lot for loneliness, said grandma.
