Buddhist Lent Begins in Thailand (24 images)

This is the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns, at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province in Thailand. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa and only around this temple. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside...
more »

This is the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns, at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province in Thailand. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa and only around this temple. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."
« less