School Temple Visit

To begin the Rainy Season, and celebrate the beginning of the Buddhist Lent Holiday. The school went on a trip to the nearest temple. Buddhist lent begins after the full moon day in July. It is said that in the rainy season, the Buddhist monks accidentally stepped on and killed young plants and insects. Buddha called all the monks to a gathering and said, “Behold monks, I grant you all to stay in the monastery in the rainy season.” So for three months the monks are supposed to stay in the temple after dusk, they aren’t allowed to stay overnight anywhere unless its very special circumstances.

At school each class were given a candle to bring to the temple, and people contributed to the money trees that the school was beginning decorated mainly with 100 baht notes. The classes all lined up at school and walked over to the temple together. Some teachers and students also contributed to some alms (food and other donations collected in baskets or buckets) for the monks. The temple ceremony lasted about an hour. We had to sit on the floor with our legs facing sideways (crossed legged is rude as your feet should always point behind you and never towards somebody especially a monk). There was a lot of praying and song, the candles were lit and a monk led us in more prayer. I was very moved at how familiar the students were at temple rituals. It shows just how big a part of life it is for these children who are so spiritually and culturally aware. They all take their shoes off, sit down with their legs to the side and chant in time perfectly without being told what to do, and that’s even the kindergarten students!