BANGKOK, 1 August 2012 – Survey results by the Bangkok Poll show that over 70 percent of Bangkok residents opt to abstain from alcohol and offer alms to monks this coming Lent.
The survey, with queries emphasized on the importance of Buddhist Lent on the occasion of Buddha Jayanti’s 2,600th anniversary, was conducted during July 27-30 on 1,205 residents aged 18 and over living in Bangkok and its vicinity.
Nearly 60 percent of the respondents believe Buddhists are straying from core Buddhist teachings and neglecting their religious duties while 40.1 percent disagreed.
Regarding their planned religious activities during the 3-month Buddhist Lent, 73.5 percent of those surveyed said they would give alms and make morning merit. 36.3 percent planned to engage in the traditional candle offering ceremony. Other activities to be observed during the Lent include attending sermons, practicing meditation and freeing birds and fish.
73.5 percent of the respondents also stated that they would practice abstinence from alcoholic beverages during the Lent with 27 percent of whom planning to refrain from alcohol throughout the 3-month festival.
In addition, 45.6 percent of drinking Bangkokians noted that they would reduce their alcohol intake during the Buddhist festival.
