After being restricted to their temples for three months learning the Dhamma and practicing meditation, Buddhist monks once again return to their social duties.  At the end of Buddhist Lent, it  is  time  for  another  big celebration, referred to as “Ok Phansa.” Thai Buddhists celebrate this occasion by offering food and gifts to monks.

The legend of Ok Phansa is that the Lord Buddha retreated to heaven to deliver a sermon to  his mother who had died seven days after his birth.  After  staying  there  for  three  months,  he completed his mission and returned to earth. People welcomed his return with great joy and excitement. Even the gods and goddesses joined in the ceremonies welcoming the Lord Buddha.

The  traditional “Tak  Bat  Devo” is  derived  from the word “Devorohana,” which means the return of Lord Buddha from Heaven to Earth.   According to a Buddhist myth, after Lord Buddha had proclaimed his doctrines and delivered a sermon to his father and relatives, he stayed with his mother, who had died after giving birth to him and was born again in Heaven.

schedule

Sunday, October 29, 2023

6:00  a.m.    Morning chanting

7:00  a.m.   Breakfast served to the monks

10:00  a.m.    Religious ceremony :  Chanting by the monks

10:15  a.m.    Sermon in Thai by the Abbot

10:30  a.m.    Offering food to the monks (Tak Bat Devo)

11:00  a.m.    Lunch served to the monks

11:30  a.m.    Lunch for the congregation