Celebrated in the eighth lunar month (July), khao Phansa marks the beginning of the Buddhist "rain retreat" and the Buddhist Lent, or "Phansa". It is the time when meditation. Buddhist Lent continues for a period of three months and is considered an auspicious time for ofdination. Laypeople also prrticipate enthusiasticlly in this festival and offer food and other ites of dily use to monks, especially candles, lanterns and lamp oil as these are supposed to illminate monks both spiritually and physically.
During these three months, monks cannot spend the night outside the ares they have taken for their rainy season residence. If they have to go out, they make sure to return before dawn of the following day. However, there are exceptions to this rule by which a monk is allowed to spend the night elsewhere; for instance, if his parents are seriously ill, or if he is required for some urgent religious work at a place too far away to return in one day. This practice has been preserved to the present day, and Buddhists consider this period exceptionally sacred.
During these three months, monks cannot spend the night outside the ares they have taken for their rainy season residence. If they have to go out, they make sure to return before dawn of the following day. However, there are exceptions to this rule by which a monk is allowed to spend the night elsewhere; for instance, if his parents are seriously ill, or if he is required for some urgent religious work at a place too far away to return in one day. This practice has been preserved to the present day, and Buddhists consider this period exceptionally sacred.
Activties
- During the Buddha's lifetime, the world was not lit by electricity. The only source of light at nighttime was cndles. The tradtion of offering Phansa cnadles has continued to the present. Beautiful and ornate cnadles of all shapes and sizes and made out of beeswax are donated to the temples. Besides serving the practical purpose of lighting the temple and the monks sleeping area, the candles are also symbolic: they represent not only an illuminated room but also an illuminated mind.
- Many Thai men become monks before the rain retreat as it offers three full months to study the Dharma.
- One of the greatest and most beautiful Thian Phansa pfrades is held at Ubon Ratchathani Province. This event is one of the most popular events in Thailand and attracts many tourists. Fabulous candles are pareded around the town on colourful floats-- accompanied by displays of religious devotion -- before being illuminated mind
Activities in Thai schools
Many schools in Thailand organise activities for Khao Phansa. Students parrticipate in a Phansa candle parade to their local temple and make offerings. Candles are decorated with ornately decorated flowers.
NEW WORDS
- overlook : v ละเลย,ไม่เล่าใจใส่
- immersing : gerund การเข้าไปมีส่วนร่วมหรือเกี่ยวข้อง
- ascetics : n ผู้บำเพ็ญตบะ
- doctrine : n คำสอนทางศาสนา
- laypeople : n อุบาสก,อุบาสิกา
- ornately : adv. อย่างหรูหรา
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น