Last weekend marked the start of a Buddhist holiday break for me. Before I took off for a new island, I kicked off the holiday time with some little friends of mine.
The kids all brought a variety of items to give to the monk as a part of the Buddhist holiday. Monday, July 22 was Wan Asanha Bucha or Dharma Day. The day is set on the full moon of the eighth lunar month. The day is a dedication to Buddha's first sermon. At night candelight processionals are held.
On Tuesday, July 23, the start of the Buddhist 'lent' Wan Wisakha Bucha commenced. This marks the start of a 3 month observance, where monks retreat to temples for spiritual renewal and meditation. The timing is significant, as it marks the rainy season. Many pray for bountiful crops.
The kids brought several offerings for the monks. These included items such as flowers, candles, incense, toothbrushes, rice, laundry soap, canned mackerel, and more. At the end of the ceremony, children were able to place the items into a monk's alms bag.
After class that day, I was able to set off for some island adventure. Koh Samui that is. I headed to the bus station and made the 1:30 bus from Surat Thani (C-Tran Ferry) to the Don Sak Pier. The drive was about an hour. When I arrived, I waited maybe 20 minutes before I boarded the ferry for Koh Samui. Cost, 240 baht for both the ferry and bus (one way).
1 comment:
That's quite the cliff hanger...
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