Wan Kao Phansa

[buksida]

If you've noticed traffic getting heavy and saw the parade through town this morning you maybe wondering what its all about.

Wan Kao Phansa วันเข้าพรรษา (Entering Buddhist Lent)

The 18th marks the day of entering the rainy season.

As the seasonal monsoon rains descend over the kingdom, it heralds the beginning of the 'rain retreat'. Kao Phansa marks the beginning of the Buddhist Lent or 'Phansa', a time during which all Buddhist monks retreat to the temples to study and meditate. This is also the most auspicious time for Buddhist ordinations as it marks a period of spiritual renewal.

This is the traditional time of the year for young men to enter the monkhood for the rainy season. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). In former times, this was done to prevent monks from trampling upon rice paddies when they ventured out to receive offerings from the villagers.

During this time, Buddhists visit the temples to offer various kinds of foods and equipment, such as candles, lanterns and fuels, indispensable to the monks during their 3 month-long Lent. This kind of offering is recognized as one of the most benevolent merit-makings in Buddhist belief because it enhances the monks' chances of enlightenment.

Buddhism, Buddhist traditions and beliefs are central forces that shape the local way of life and give rise to various festivals of religious origin which have been observed for generations. For example, the majority of the Buddhist ordinations take place during the Buddhist Lent when young novices enter the monkhood.

Villagers also actively engage in merit-making during this period. Items that provide light such as candles, lanterns and lamp oil are deemed to be particularly important offerings as it is believed that they provide monks with illumination physically and spiritually.

[Chas]

Thanks for the explanation Buks. I had the general idea of it but your report clarified a few details.

As I joked to my spouse, I guess this means that all those monks wont be wandering around Pantip mall buying computers and electronic gear during this time. ( I wonder if going online counts as illumination!)

[PeteC]

Yes, tomorrow and Friday are big days for folks making tamboon and giving to the monks.

We stopped in today at the Wat at Pahla beach as my better half has known the Abbot for some years since her mother died.

She asked him what would he and his group of Monks like on Friday..get ready for the answer. .....

He said steak and vegetables would be nice, or a buket or two of KFC as they are quite bored of the daily Thai type alms they're given during their rounds of the village all year long.

So folks, as the world turns.....LOL. Pete

[elem]

ha ha ha -that is really funny....

[lomuamart]

Just went over to my local shop for some beers and the lady wrapped them up in newspaper. When I asked why, she said because of Buddhist Lent.
As has already been said on this thread, the main two days were Thursday and Friday.
As Lent goes on for some three months, does this mean that I get a local newspaper with all my beer purchases until mid October?

[buksida]

Hope everyone made their merit today for the beginning of Buddhist lent!

[buksida]

Quick revival of this one to enlighten those that are wondering what the two day holiday is for.

[PeteC]

Yes, tomorrow and Friday are big days for folks making tamboon and giving to the monks.

We stopped in today at the Wat at Pahla beach as my better half has known the Abbot for some years since her mother died.

She asked him what would he and his group of Monks like on Friday..get ready for the answer. .....

He said steak and vegetables would be nice, or a buket or two of KFC as they are quite bored of the daily Thai type alms they're given during their rounds of the village all year long.

So folks, as the world turns.....LOL. Pete

Since resurrected........about 2 years ago said head Abbot was caught with a room full of village girls. Apparently been going on for quite some time. De-frocked and ridden out of town on a rail. Rumor has it he's working at a place on Walking Street in Pattaya soliciting foreigners into the establishment. As the world turns indeed! Pete

[STEVE G]

Quick revival of this one to enlighten those that are wondering what the two day holiday is for.

That explains things; I'd been told the banks were closed for a few days but I didn't know why.

[Big Boy]

There was a massive at the bank on the top floor of Market Village about an hour ago. i thought money must be going out of fashion.

[STEVE G]

OK, I was told to not bother making a transfer this week as the banks were going to be closed but that might not be the case.