Buddhist statue at Wat Phra That Phanome

Today marks the beginning of Buddhist lent in Thailand. Buddhist Lent starts on the first day of the waning moon of the 8th lunar month (July) and ends on the 15th day of the 11th lunar month (October). Also known as the rains retreat or Khao Phansa in Thai.

it’s a time when all Buddhist monks will spend the next three months of the rainy season in permanent dwellings. In early Buddhism it was believed that if a monk or holy man traveled during this time when crops started growing they might accidentally trample new plants. Buddha himself said all that follow him should also follow in this tradition. This is the day that Buddhist monks will take a vow to stay in one place or temple which will house them from the coming storms and rain.

During Lent Buddhist monks aside from staying in one particular temple will teach those that wish to become ordained in the Buddhist doctrine. This will be the beginning of their studies.

Followers of Buddhism during lent are to refrain from bad actions such as alcohol or drug use, anything that would cause followers to lead an inappropriate life. During this time they will gain merit by meditating, listening to sermons and observing the 5 precepts. The precepts are

• Abstain from harming living things
• Abstain from taking things not freely given
• Abstain from indulging in sexual misconduct
• Abstain from speaking falsly
• Abstain from using intoxicating drinks or drugs that cause heedlessness

In Thailand The monks will vow to stay in one temple and not leave the temple grounds. Normally the monks would walk the surrounding city or country every morning to receive offerings from the people but being growing season Buddha doesn’t want them to trample new seedlings.
The beginning of Buddhist lent in Thailand is a celebration centered around the ceremony of giving candles to the temples for religious worship.  Colorful candle processions will be organized at each temple where the offering will be made by many participants. The procession itself will have many large ornate candles carved from bees wax into shapes of temples, religious figures, and creatures.

Offerings outside temple

The act of donating candles to the temple for religious worship is supposed to give great blessings to the donor. They will also offer food and other necessities to the monks and then the procession will walk three times around the temple. After which prayers and meditations will be done.

At this time a lot of buddhist followers will make resolutions to be a better person by giving up smoking or alchohol and observing the 5 precepts of Buddhism.

No matter what religion you are visitors are always welcome to take part in the ceremonies. Just visiting a temple on a non-holiday and making an offering is a very soothing experience that you shouldn’t miss out on if you get the chance.