Thailand is the land of Theravada Buddhism (the oldest branch of the religion). About 95% of Thais observe the “Teachings of the Elders” (literal meaning of Theravada); hence, the thousands of Buddhist temples and shrines in Thailand.
Asalha Puja is one such important occasion for Theravada Buddhists. This day commemorates Buddha’s first teaching of the dhamma, or truth.
When Buddha achieved his enlightenment, he shared this with his former disciples. On this first sermon, he shared with them the four noble truths that came out of his enlightenment, which is the essence of all his subsequent discourses.
As such, this day is also called the Dhamma Day, or the Dharmachakra (The First Turning of the Wheel of the Dharma).
From a broader perspective, this day celebrates the birth of Buddhism.
Making Merits
Asalha Puja will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 30 in 2013. Traditionally, this coincides with the start of the monsoon season, and sometimes referred to as the first day of the ‘vassa’ or Buddhist rains retreat.
Devout Buddhists make merits in shrines, temples and Buddhist centers around the country. They offer lotus flowers and light candles in the temples, burn incense in the shrines, and give food and other necessities to the monks, listen to the monks chant the first discourse, and reflect on the precepts of Buddhism.
Doing the “Wien Thien”
At night, a candle procession is held around temples and shrines. Monks and devout go around the temples three times, in a ritual referred to as the “wien thien.”
The same ritual is performed by school children as the occasion of the Asalha Puja nears. They are brought to Buddhist temples to do the ‘wien thien’ and make merits by offering food, robes and candles to the monk.
In Bangkok, Khao San Road, otherwise a backpacker mecca on any given day, lights up with candles as processions progress. Candles are also left to burn in the main temple of Wat Bowon, along with floral offerings.
Asalha Puja is Time for Meditation and Reunion with Family
In the evening, monks devote their time to prayer and meditation. Since Asalha Puja coincides with the arrival of the rains, monks traditionally suspended their nomadic lifestyle and stayed in monasteries for a three-month long retreat, a practice that marks the start of the Buddhist Lent.
Around the country, houses put up big candles outside and light this up in celebration of Dhamma Day. Because this occasion is a national holiday in Thailand, families take this opportunity to come together, perform the tradition with their elders, and reflect on the teachings of Buddha.
Photo by Jeff McNeill
