Ceremonies to mark birth of Buddhism
Marking the 2,600th anniversary of Buddhism on the occasion of the Visakah Puja Day next Monday (June 4), major ceremonies and events in Thailand will be held across the country, including the official establishment of the world's Centre of Buddhism in T
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will preside over a key event on June 2 at the Buddha Monthol, where a prayer will also be said by senior Buddhist monks from 10 countries to bless Their Majesties the King and Queen, said ONAB director Noppharat Benjawatthananant. The main venue for the occasion, titled "Buddha Jayanti" in Pali, will be held at Sanam Luang from May 29 to June 4.
The holy relics of Lord Buddha, which are stored within the Grand Palace, will be presented for public worship at this main venue throughout. Another activities include the moulding of a major Buddha image, the candlelight circumambulation, prayers, meditation sessions and merit making events.
A conference of Buddhist lay and monastic leaders from 85 countries will be held at the United Nations building in Bangkok May 31 to June 2, while local merit making events and meditation courses and tutorials will be held at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University in Ayutthaya during the period.
A fund to promote trips to India to visit holy places where the Buddha was born, reached Nirvana, or Enlightenment, and passed away has been set up, with details provided at a shelter at Sanam Luang during a ceremony on May 29 at 10 am, said the Religious Affairs Department director-general Preecha Kanthiya.
His Holyness the Supreme Patriarch also gave a speech marking the Buddha Jayanti, calling on Buddhists to observe at least basic key principles and further unite among Thai people on the Visakah Puja Day and througout the celebratory period.
