Officials who ordain to celebrate Buddhism anniversary will get full pay
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The Cabinet agreed yesterday that male officials ordained to commemorate the 2,600th anniversary of Buddhism should receive full pay during a 15-day period.
The 15 days would be regarded as working days, said government spokesman Anusorn Iamsa-ard, who did not give details on whether the men need to leave the monkhood after the period ends, or can stay on without pay.
Buddhists worldwide celebrate the 2,600th anniversary this year, or BE2555, particularly on Visakha Puja Day, which is next Monday, given that Lord Buddha, at 35, reached Nirvana on this lunar occasion, and announced and taught Dharma, 45 years before he passed away, at 80. BE1 began one year after his passing.
The Holy Relics of Lord Buddha were ushered from storage in the Grand Palace in a grand ceremony yesterday, presided over by Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra, for public display at a pavilion on Sanam Luang.
Sanam Luang is the main venue for various events and activities to mark the occasion, fully titled “Buddha Jayanti” in Pali, from May 29 to June 4. Among them are meditation sessions, an alms-giving event on June 4, Buddhist prayers, and exhibitions featuring Buddhist teaching and history.
