Makha Bucha Day

Makha Bucha Day

Today is Makha Bucha Day again, and on this day, the full moon of the third lunar month (called Tabodwe); seven months after Buddha began his teachings, 1,250 monks gathered to hear Buddha preach.

Buddha ordained these monks and spread the principles of Buddhism. This marked a key event in the development of the religion.

45 years later, on the same full moon in the third lunar month, Buddha again delivered his teachings shortly before his death.

This third lunar month on which both events occurred is known in Buddhist Pali language as 'Makha'. 'Bucha', means to honour.

Despite the great age of these events, (Buddha was teaching over 2,500 years ago) Makha Bucha only became a holiday in 1957. Prior to 1957, the third lunar month was celebrated as a Buddhist Holy Day.

In Thailand, the sale of alcohol is banned on religious holidays. This means bars and clubs are closed for the entire holiday and this is one of the bigger holidays, also banks, government offices and the like will be closed today.

ACTIVITIES TO BE OBSERVED ON MAKHA BUCHA DAY

'TUM BOON': Making merit by going to temples for special observances, making merit, listening to Dhamma preaching, giving some donations and join in the other Buddhist activities.
I saw plenty of Thai people (mainly women) on their way to a local temple to do exactly this. Often gifts for the monks are carried along and handed over to the monks at the temples.

'RUB SIL': Keeping the Five Precepts, including abstinence from alcoholic drinks and all kinds of immoral acts.
This one is difficult to check but in theory everyone sticks to this.

'TUK BARD': Offering food to the monks and novices (in the alm bowl).
This is a daily occurrence but may be more widespread today.

Practice of renuciation: Observe the Eight Precepts, practice of meditation and mental discipline, stay in the temple, wearing white robes, for a number of days.
Saw a few females today wearing white robes.

'VIEN TIEN': Attending the Candle Light Procession around the Uposatha Hall, in the evening of the Vesak full moon day.
his will be held at various temples around the island, including Wat Plai Laem and we may be there tonight.

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Camille