What is Buddhist Lent Day?
Buddhist Lent Day, also known as Wan Khao Phansa (วันเข้าพรรษา), is the significant annual observance that marks the beginning of the three-month monastic retreat during the rainy season in Theravada Buddhist countries. It is one of the most important and revered days in the Buddhist calendar. Buddhist Lent Day falls on the full moon day of the eighth lunar month, which usually occurs in July.
On this auspicious day, monks and novices residing in temples begin their three-month retreat, during which they dedicate themselves to intensive meditation, study of Buddhist scriptures, and adherence to strict monastic rules. The purpose of the retreat is to avoid unnecessary travel and outdoor activities during the rainy season to minimize harm to small creatures like insects and to prevent unintentional destruction of vegetation.
How is Buddhist Lent celebrated?
During Buddhist Lent, local communities come together to mark the start of the monastic retreat by organizing various rituals and festivities. Below are some common ways Buddhist Lent is celebrated:
Ordination Ceremonies: Buddhist Lent is considered an auspicious time for young men to enter the monkhood. Ordination ceremonies are conducted at temples, where novices and young monks take vows, seeking refuge in the Triple Gem and committing to the Vinaya rules of monastic conduct.
Candlelight Processions: In the evening on the first day of Wan Khao Phansa, elaborate candlelight processions, known as Wian Tian, are held at temples. Devotees carry beautifully crafted, intricately decorated candles, along with offerings of flowers and incense, as they walk around the main temple hall three times, expressing their respect for the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.
Offerings to Monks: Throughout the three-month retreat, the lay community plays a vital role in supporting the monks. Devotees wake up early to prepare alms, including rice, fruits, and other food items, to offer to the monks during their daily alms rounds. This act of almsgiving is a deeply cherished tradition and an opportunity for laypeople to accumulate merit.
Dhamma Talks and Meditation: Temples organize special Dhamma talks and meditation sessions during Wan Khao Phansa. Renowned monks and scholars may be invited to deliver sermons on Buddhist teachings and meditation techniques, providing spiritual guidance to the devotees.
Acts of Virtue: Wan Khao Phansa is a time for devotees to engage in acts of virtue and generosity. Many people take up precepts during this period, observing various ethical practices to purify their minds and accumulate merit.
Lantern Floating Ceremony: In some regions, especially in Laos, a picturesque lantern floating ceremony called Lai Heua Fai is conducted at the end of the Buddhist Lent. Colorful handmade boats adorned with candles and incense are set afloat on rivers and waterways to symbolize the release of negative energy and the welcoming of positive changes.
Meditation Retreats: Many Buddhists use the monastic retreat period to deepen their meditation practice. Meditation centers and monasteries may offer special retreats for those seeking a more intensive and contemplative experience.
Overall, Buddhist Lent is a time of spiritual reflection, communal devotion, and acts of merit-making. It is an occasion for both monastics and laypeople to strengthen their commitment to the Buddhist path, deepen their understanding of the Dhamma, and cultivate compassion and wisdom in their daily lives.
What do you offer the monks on Buddhist Lent Day?
On Buddhist Lent Day, devotees offer alms to the monks and novices as a way to support and show respect for their spiritual practice during the three-month monastic retreat. The offerings usually include food, such as rice, fruits, and other simple vegetarian dishes. People gather at temples early in the morning, carrying their offerings in traditional alms bowls, and line up to present them to the monastic community.
Offering alms to the monks is considered highly meritorious in Buddhist culture, as it allows laypeople to accumulate good karma and express gratitude for the teachings and guidance provided by the monastic community. It also provides an opportunity for devotees to engage in acts of generosity and cultivate the virtues of compassion and selflessness.
Apart from food, other necessities like toiletries, robes, and basic supplies may also be offered to the monks during this time. The act of giving during Buddhist Lent fosters a sense of communal support and connection, strengthening the bond between the monastic and lay communities.
Can you buy and sell alcohol on Buddhist Lent day?
In Thailand, the sale and consumption of alcohol are prohibited on Buddhist Lent Day, which is also known as Wan Khao Phansa (วันเข้าพรรษา). It’s considered a religious observance day, and the sale of alcohol is not allowed as a sign of respect for the monks and their spiritual practice during the three-month monastic retreat. The ban on alcohol sales is enforced by the government, and businesses, including bars and restaurants, are required to comply with the restriction.
During Buddhist Lent Day, many establishments close or limit their operations, and alcohol is not available for purchase in public places. It is a time when Thai people typically focus on religious activities, offering alms to the monks, and engaging in acts of merit and generosity.
