Photos courtesy of Bangkok Post
Visakha Bucha Day, which falls on May 20 this year, is one of the most important religious events in Thailand. It marks three important incidents in the life of the Lord Buddha, all of which happened on the same day of the year.
Read the following story from the Bangkok Post to learn more about the sacred day and some events held to mark this special occasion.
TRUTH TREE
The Lord Buddha or Prince Siddhattha was born to King Suddhodana and Queen Siri Maha Maya in Lumbini, presently located in Nepal.
The Lord Buddha attained enlightenment by realising the four noble truths or ariyasat si under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India.
The Lord Buddha passed away when he was 80, under two Sal trees in Kushinagar which is nowadays located in Uttar Pradesh, India.
SEVEN-DAY CELEBRATOINS
Organised by the Department of Religious Affairs, the Visakha Bucha Day 2016 event will be held at Sanam Luang in Bangkok from May 14 to 20.
Activities at the event include a candle procession, a mass prayer, a nine-temple tour and a cooking demonstration for khao tip (porridge rice mixed with honey, molasses, milk and peanuts).
On this sacred occasion, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will preside at the venue. For more information, visit http://www.dra.go.th.
STUPA CEREMONY
Yai Chai Mongkol Temple in Ayutthaya encourages Buddhist pilgrims to take part in its Visakha Bucha Day event on May 20.
Participants can offer alms to monks and join in a ceremony to blanket the temple's main stupa. For further inquiries, call 035 242 640 or 035 246 076-7.
EXERCISES
Read through Exercises and decide whether the following statements are true or false.
1. This year's Visakha Bucha Day falls on May 14. ………….
2. Yai Chai Monkol is located in Nonthaburi. ………….
3. The Lord Buddha passed away at the age of 88. ………….
4. Ariyasat si are the four noble truths. ………….
ANSWERS
EXERCISES
1. False.
2. False.
3. False.
4. True.
noble (adj): having fine personal qualities that people admire, such as courage, honesty and care for others
alms (n): clothes and food that are given to monks
