(26/12/2011)
The public has been
invited to join Buddhist prayers at various temples across Thailand in
celebration of the New Year 2012 and as a tribute to His Majesty King
Bhumibol Adulyadej.
In Bangkok, Sanam Luang ceremonial ground will be the focal point for the prayers, aimed at boosting the morale of the people after the country has faced the worst flooding in its recent history. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation are joining hands in organizing this religious activity from 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, 31 December 2011 to 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, 1 January 2012. The Deputy Bangkok Governor, Mrs. Taya Teepsuwan, said that the year 2011 marked two important occasions: the celebrations of His Majesty the King’s 84th birthday anniversary and the 2600 years of the Buddha's enlightenment and propagation of Dhamma teachings. People have been urged to take this opportunity to make merit for His Majesty the King, who is recognized as a model of a Dhammaraja, or the king of righteousness, strictly upholding Buddhist principles. Meanwhile, His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, in his New Year message, called on the people to learn and adopt the Buddha’s teachings to lead their daily life in peace and happiness. The Mahathera Samakhom, or the Sangha Supreme Council, during its recent meeting, called on all Buddhist temples, both in Thailand and overseas, to arrange New Year celebration prayers. It urged Thai people to perform good deeds and chant prayers, as a means of post-flood mental rehabilitation to bring about spiritual happiness. They have also been urged to refrain from all vices, such as alcohol and drug abuse, which may lead to social ills. The wat, or Buddhist temple, is the focal point of the rural village, symbolizing the Buddhist religion and also acting as the major unifying element, particularly during festivals and merit-making ceremonies. In the past, it was a social center for young and old alike. Even now, abbots and senior monks frequently enjoy more prestige and have more power of moral persuasion than the village head. In times of personal crisis, they are often the first people whose advice is sought. There are over 31,200 Buddhist temples spread around Thailand. The number of Thai temples abroad is more than 300. The wat serves as not only a spiritual center and a recreational center of the community, but also a learning center for local wisdom. The Director-General of the Office National Buddhism, Mr. Nopparat Benjawatananun said that the Government would host activities to celebrate the 2,600th anniversary of the Buddha’s enlightenment throughout the month of June in 2012, coinciding with Visakha Puja on June 4. |
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