The grand occasion unfurled in the sacred confines of Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, popularly known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, nestled in the heart of Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district.
His Majesty embarked the ceremonious event by exhibiting deep devotion to the Emerald Buddha, followed by the statues of King Rama I and King Rama II. The highlight of the event was the lighting of the lent candle by his majesty, thus symbolizing the commencement of the Buddhist Lent. He amplified the holy ambiance by presenting offerings to a gathering of twenty esteemed Buddhist monks led by none other than His Holiness, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand.
The scenario metamorphosed into a royal scenario with the entrance of Her Majesty, the Queen. Graced by the presence of the royal family, privy councilors, and senior state officials, the Queen led everyone into presenting offerings to a total of 215 monks. The royal couple extended their warm greetings to the loyal individuals who had been eagerly waiting at the temple to catch a glimpse of their adored royals. The grandeur event ended with Their Majesties returning to their royal residence, the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall nestled in Dusit Palace.
Asanha Bucha Day, the occasion behind this grand ceremony, is a significant Buddhist festival. It aligns with the full moon of the eighth lunar month, and commemorates the day when Buddha delivered his inaugural sermon to his first five disciples following his enlightenment. Remarkably, this day also marks another historic milestone in Buddhist history—the day when the first Buddhist monk was ordained.
As the day concludes, the onset of Buddhist Lent begins, this year falling on August 2. The lent heralds the rainy season retreat for the monks, who nestle themselves in their respective monasteries, disconnecting from the external world. It serves as a period of reflection, contemplation, and deepening of their spiritual practices. The celebration of Asanha Bucha Day, thus, encompasses the profound essence of Buddhist philosophy and tradition, marking it as a day of religious significance and historical importance.
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