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  • 14 FEBRUARY 2014 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: People meditate during afternoon meditation on Makha Bucha Day at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  The aims of Makha Bucha Day are: not to commit any kind of sins, do only good and purify one's mind. It is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day. The day marks four important events in Buddhism, which happened nine months after the Enlightenment of the Buddha in northern India; 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha that evening without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBuchaWatDhammakaya001.jpg
  • 14 FEBRUARY 2014 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: Buddhist monks meditate during afternoon meditation on Makha Bucha Day at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  The aims of Makha Bucha Day are: not to commit any kind of sins, do only good and purify one's mind. It is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day. The day marks four important events in Buddhism, which happened nine months after the Enlightenment of the Buddha in northern India; 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha that evening without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBuchaWatDhammakaya003.jpg
  • 14 FEBRUARY 2014 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: People meditate during afternoon meditation on Makha Bucha Day at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  The aims of Makha Bucha Day are: not to commit any kind of sins, do only good and purify one's mind. It is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day. The day marks four important events in Buddhism, which happened nine months after the Enlightenment of the Buddha in northern India; 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha that evening without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBuchaWatDhammakaya002.jpg
  • 31 DECEMBER 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Women meditate during New Year's Eve prayers and meditation at Wat Pathum Wanaram in central Bangkok. Many Thais go to temples to meditate and pray on New Year's Eve.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    NewYearWat009.jpg
  • 31 DECEMBER 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Women pray during New Year's Eve prayers and meditation at Wat Pathum Wanaram in central Bangkok. Many Thais go to temples to meditate and pray on New Year's Eve.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    NewYearWat011.jpg
  • 31 DECEMBER 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People pray during New Year's Eve prayers and meditation at Wat Pathum Wanaram in central Bangkok. Many Thais go to temples to meditate and pray on New Year's Eve.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    NewYearWat019.jpg
  • 31 DECEMBER 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A man makes merit by pouring oil into oil lamps during New Year's Eve prayers and meditation at Wat Pathum Wanaram in central Bangkok. Many Thais go to temples to meditate and pray on New Year's Eve.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    NewYearWat017.jpg
  • 31 DECEMBER 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A man prays during New Year's Eve prayers and meditation at Wat Pathum Wanaram in central Bangkok. Many Thais go to temples to meditate and pray on New Year's Eve.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    NewYearWat010.jpg
  • 31 DECEMBER 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People pray during New Year's Eve prayers and meditation at Wat Pathum Wanaram in central Bangkok. Many Thais go to temples to meditate and pray on New Year's Eve.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    NewYearWat020.jpg
  • 31 DECEMBER 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People pray during New Year's Eve prayers and meditation at Wat Pathum Wanaram in central Bangkok. Many Thais go to temples to meditate and pray on New Year's Eve.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    NewYearWat018.jpg
  • 31 DECEMBER 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A woman makes merit by pouring oil into oil lamps during New Year's Eve prayers and meditation at Wat Pathum Wanaram in central Bangkok. Many Thais go to temples to meditate and pray on New Year's Eve.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    NewYearWat016.jpg
  • 31 DECEMBER 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Women pray during New Year's Eve prayers and meditation at Wat Pathum Wanaram in central Bangkok. Many Thais go to temples to meditate and pray on New Year's Eve.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    NewYearWat013.jpg
  • 31 DECEMBER 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Women pray during New Year's Eve prayers and meditation at Wat Pathum Wanaram in central Bangkok. Many Thais go to temples to meditate and pray on New Year's Eve.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    NewYearWat012.jpg
  • 31 DECEMBER 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Women pray during New Year's Eve prayers and meditation at Wat Pathum Wanaram in central Bangkok. Many Thais go to temples to meditate and pray on New Year's Eve.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    NewYearWat014.jpg
  • 08 JANUARY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Women pray and meditate at an altar on Sanam Luang in Bangkok. Buddhist in Bangkok have a chance to meditate in front of seven large statues of revered Buddhist monks and worship a hair relic of the Buddha at a series of altars on Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BangkokMeditationSanamLuang024.jpg
  • 08 JANUARY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A woman touches a ball of amber held by a statue of a revered Buddhist monk while she meditates. Buddhist in Bangkok have a chance to meditate in front of seven large statues of revered Buddhist monks and worship a hair relic of the Buddha at a series of altars on Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BangkokMeditationSanamLuang017.jpg
  • 08 JANUARY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Women pray and meditate in front of statues of revered Buddhist monks at an altar on Sanam Luang in Bangkok. Buddhist in Bangkok have a chance to meditate in front of seven large statues of revered Buddhist monks and worship a hair relic of the Buddha at a series of altars on Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BangkokMeditationSanamLuang009.jpg
  • 08 JANUARY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Women pray and meditate in front of statues of revered Buddhist monks at an altar on Sanam Luang in Bangkok. Buddhist in Bangkok have a chance to meditate in front of seven large statues of revered Buddhist monks and worship a hair relic of the Buddha at a series of altars on Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BangkokMeditationSanamLuang008.jpg
  • 08 JANUARY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A man meditates in front of a statue of a revered Buddhist monk on Sanam Luang. Buddhist in Bangkok have a chance to meditate in front of seven large statues of revered Buddhist monks and worship a hair relic of the Buddha at a series of altars on Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BangkokMeditationSanamLuang022.jpg
  • 08 JANUARY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Women pray and meditate in front of a large statue of a revered Buddhist monk at an altar on Sanam Luang in Bangkok. Buddhist in Bangkok have a chance to meditate in front of seven large statues of revered Buddhist monks and worship a hair relic of the Buddha at a series of altars on Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BangkokMeditationSanamLuang020.jpg
  • 08 JANUARY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Women pray and meditate in front of a large statue of a revered Buddhist monk at an altar on Sanam Luang in Bangkok. Buddhist in Bangkok have a chance to meditate in front of seven large statues of revered Buddhist monks and worship a hair relic of the Buddha at a series of altars on Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BangkokMeditationSanamLuang019.jpg
  • 08 JANUARY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A woman touches a ball of amber held by a statue of a revered Buddhist monk while she meditates. Buddhist in Bangkok have a chance to meditate in front of seven large statues of revered Buddhist monks and worship a hair relic of the Buddha at a series of altars on Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BangkokMeditationSanamLuang016.jpg
  • 08 JANUARY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A woman meditates in front of a statue of a revered Buddhist monk on Sanam Luang. Buddhist in Bangkok have a chance to meditate in front of seven large statues of revered Buddhist monks and worship a hair relic of the Buddha at a series of altars on Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BangkokMeditationSanamLuang014.jpg
  • 08 JANUARY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Women pray and meditate in front of statues of revered Buddhist monks at an altar on Sanam Luang in Bangkok. Buddhist in Bangkok have a chance to meditate in front of seven large statues of revered Buddhist monks and worship a hair relic of the Buddha at a series of altars on Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BangkokMeditationSanamLuang012.jpg
  • 08 JANUARY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A woman meditates in front of a statue of a revered Buddhist monk on Sanam Luang. Buddhist in Bangkok have a chance to meditate in front of seven large statues of revered Buddhist monks and worship a hair relic of the Buddha at a series of altars on Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BangkokMeditationSanamLuang011.jpg
  • 08 JANUARY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A man meditates in front of a statue of a revered Buddhist monk on Sanam Luang. Buddhist in Bangkok have a chance to meditate in front of seven large statues of revered Buddhist monks and worship a hair relic of the Buddha at a series of altars on Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BangkokMeditationSanamLuang007.jpg
  • 08 JANUARY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Women pray and meditate in front of statues of revered Buddhist monks at an altar on Sanam Luang in Bangkok. Buddhist in Bangkok have a chance to meditate in front of seven large statues of revered Buddhist monks and worship a hair relic of the Buddha at a series of altars on Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BangkokMeditationSanamLuang004.jpg
  • 08 JANUARY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A woman meditates in front of a statue of a revered Buddhist monk on Sanam Luang. Buddhist in Bangkok have a chance to meditate in front of seven large statues of revered Buddhist monks and worship a hair relic of the Buddha at a series of altars on Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BangkokMeditationSanamLuang002.jpg
  • 08 JANUARY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A woman meditates in front of a statue of a revered Buddhist monk on Sanam Luang. Buddhist in Bangkok have a chance to meditate in front of seven large statues of revered Buddhist monks and worship a hair relic of the Buddha at a series of altars on Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BangkokMeditationSanamLuang021.jpg
  • 08 JANUARY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A man meditates sitting next to a statue of a revered Buddhist monk on Sanam Luang. Buddhist in Bangkok have a chance to meditate in front of seven large statues of revered Buddhist monks and worship a hair relic of the Buddha at a series of altars on Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BangkokMeditationSanamLuang018.jpg
  • 08 JANUARY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Women pray and meditate in front of a large statue of a revered Buddhist monk at an altar on Sanam Luang in Bangkok. Buddhist in Bangkok have a chance to meditate in front of seven large statues of revered Buddhist monks and worship a hair relic of the Buddha at a series of altars on Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BangkokMeditationSanamLuang013.jpg
  • 08 JANUARY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Women pray and meditate in front of statues of revered Buddhist monks at an altar on Sanam Luang in Bangkok. Buddhist in Bangkok have a chance to meditate in front of seven large statues of revered Buddhist monks and worship a hair relic of the Buddha at a series of altars on Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BangkokMeditationSanamLuang005.jpg
  • 08 JANUARY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A child meditates on Sanam Luang in Bangkok. Buddhist in Bangkok have a chance to meditate in front of seven large statues of revered Buddhist monks and worship a hair relic of the Buddha at a series of altars on Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BangkokMeditationSanamLuang003.jpg
  • 08 JANUARY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A woman meditates in front of a statue of a revered Buddhist monk on Sanam Luang. Buddhist in Bangkok have a chance to meditate in front of seven large statues of revered Buddhist monks and worship a hair relic of the Buddha at a series of altars on Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BangkokMeditationSanamLuang010.jpg
  • 08 JANUARY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Women pray and meditate in front of statues of revered Buddhist monks at an altar on Sanam Luang in Bangkok. Buddhist in Bangkok have a chance to meditate in front of seven large statues of revered Buddhist monks and worship a hair relic of the Buddha at a series of altars on Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BangkokMeditationSanamLuang006.jpg
  • 08 JANUARY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A woman hangs a flower garland on a statue of a revered Buddhist monk on Sanam Luang. Buddhist in Bangkok have a chance to meditate in front of seven large statues of revered Buddhist monks and worship a hair relic of the Buddha at a series of altars on Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BangkokMeditationSanamLuang023.jpg
  • 08 JANUARY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A large statue of a revered Buddhist monk on Sanam Luang. Buddhist in Bangkok have a chance to meditate in front of seven large statues of revered Buddhist monks and worship a hair relic of the Buddha at a series of altars on Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BangkokMeditationSanamLuang001.jpg
  • 08 JANUARY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Women take "selfies" of each other in front of a statue of a revered Buddhist monk on Sanam Luang. Buddhist in Bangkok have a chance to meditate in front of seven large statues of revered Buddhist monks and worship a hair relic of the Buddha at a series of altars on Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace in Bangkok.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BangkokMeditationSanamLuang015.jpg
  • 31 DECEMBER 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Many Thais go to temples to meditate and pray on New Year's Eve.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    NewYearWat015.jpg
  • 31 DECEMBER 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A woman prays after leaving an offering of marigolds at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok. The shrine was packed with tourists and Thais praying and making merit on New Year's Eve. Many Thais go to temples to meditate and pray on New Year's Eve.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    NewYearWat003.jpg
  • 31 DECEMBER 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A woman prays in front of dancers at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok. People make offering at the shrine by paying dancers to perform while they pray. The shrine was packed with tourists and Thais praying and making merit on New Year's Eve. Many Thais go to temples to meditate and pray on New Year's Eve.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    NewYearWat001.jpg
  • 22 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND:  People pray and meditate on the plaza in front of the chedi during Makha Bucha Day services at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBucha2016055.jpg
  • 31 DECEMBER 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A woman prays before leaving an offering of marigolds at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok. The shrine was packed with tourists and Thais praying and making merit on New Year's Eve. Many Thais go to temples to meditate and pray on New Year's Eve.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    NewYearWat004.jpg
  • 22 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND:  People pray and meditate on the plaza in front of the chedi during Makha Bucha Day services at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBucha2016057.jpg
  • 29 JUNE 2014 - DAN SAI, LOEI, THAILAND:  A man meditates in Wat Ponchai during the "Ghost Festival." Phi Ta Khon (also spelled Pee Ta Khon) is the Ghost Festival. Over three days, the town's residents invite protection from Phra U-pakut, the spirit that lives in the Mun River, which runs through Dan Sai. People in the town and surrounding villages wear costumes made of patchwork and ornate masks and are thought be ghosts who were awoken from the dead when Vessantra Jataka (one of the Buddhas) came out of the forest. On the last day of the festival people participate in merit making ceremonies at the Wat Ponchai in Dan Sai and lead processions through town soliciting donations for the temple.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    PhiTaKhon109.jpg
  • 29 JUNE 2014 - DAN SAI, LOEI, THAILAND:  A man meditates in Wat Ponchai during the "Ghost Festival." Phi Ta Khon (also spelled Pee Ta Khon) is the Ghost Festival. Over three days, the town's residents invite protection from Phra U-pakut, the spirit that lives in the Mun River, which runs through Dan Sai. People in the town and surrounding villages wear costumes made of patchwork and ornate masks and are thought be ghosts who were awoken from the dead when Vessantra Jataka (one of the Buddhas) came out of the forest. On the last day of the festival people participate in merit making ceremonies at the Wat Ponchai in Dan Sai and lead processions through town soliciting donations for the temple.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    PhiTaKhon104.jpg
  • 26 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A man who came to vote but was unable to meditates in front of the voting booths at Wat That Thong after the polling place was shutdown by anti-government protestors. Anti-government protestors forced the closure of polling places in Bangkok Sunday as a part of Shutdown Bangkok. Early voting was supposed to be Sunday January 26 but blocked polling places left hundreds of thousands of people unable to vote casting the February 2 general election into doubt and further gridlocking Thai politics. Protestors blocked access to gates and entry ways to polling places and election officials chose the close them rather than confront protestors. Shutdown Bangkok has been going for 12 days with no resolution in sight. Suthep, the leader of the anti-government protests and the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), the umbrella organization of the protests,  is still demanding the caretaker government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra resign, the PM says she won't resign and intends to go ahead with the election.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    EarlyVotingShutdownBKK039.jpg
  • 26 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A man who came to vote but was unable to meditates in front of the voting booths at Wat That Thong after the polling place was shutdown by anti-government protestors. Anti-government protestors forced the closure of polling places in Bangkok Sunday as a part of Shutdown Bangkok. Early voting was supposed to be Sunday January 26 but blocked polling places left hundreds of thousands of people unable to vote casting the February 2 general election into doubt and further gridlocking Thai politics. Protestors blocked access to gates and entry ways to polling places and election officials chose the close them rather than confront protestors. Shutdown Bangkok has been going for 12 days with no resolution in sight. Suthep, the leader of the anti-government protests and the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), the umbrella organization of the protests,  is still demanding the caretaker government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra resign, the PM says she won't resign and intends to go ahead with the election.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    EarlyVotingShutdownBKK026.jpg
  • 31 DECEMBER 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A woman prays before leaving an offering of marigolds at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok. The shrine was packed with tourists and Thais praying and making merit on New Year's Eve. Many Thais go to temples to meditate and pray on New Year's Eve.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    NewYearWat008.jpg
  • 31 DECEMBER 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People pray at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok. The shrine was packed with tourists and Thais praying and making merit on New Year's Eve. Many Thais go to temples to meditate and pray on New Year's Eve.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    NewYearWat007.jpg
  • 31 DECEMBER 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People pray at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok. The shrine was packed with tourists and Thais praying and making merit on New Year's Eve. Many Thais go to temples to meditate and pray on New Year's Eve.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    NewYearWat006.jpg
  • 31 DECEMBER 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A woman prays before leaving an offering of marigolds at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok. The shrine was packed with tourists and Thais praying and making merit on New Year's Eve. Many Thais go to temples to meditate and pray on New Year's Eve.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    NewYearWat005.jpg
  • 31 DECEMBER 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A woman prays in front of dancers at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok. People make offering at the shrine by paying dancers to perform while they pray. The shrine was packed with tourists and Thais praying and making merit on New Year's Eve. Many Thais go to temples to meditate and pray on New Year's Eve.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    NewYearWat002.jpg
  • 22 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND:  People pray and meditate on the plaza in front of the chedi during Makha Bucha Day services at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBucha2016056.jpg
  • 29 JUNE 2014 - DAN SAI, LOEI, THAILAND:  A man meditates in Wat Ponchai during the "Ghost Festival." Phi Ta Khon (also spelled Pee Ta Khon) is the Ghost Festival. Over three days, the town's residents invite protection from Phra U-pakut, the spirit that lives in the Mun River, which runs through Dan Sai. People in the town and surrounding villages wear costumes made of patchwork and ornate masks and are thought be ghosts who were awoken from the dead when Vessantra Jataka (one of the Buddhas) came out of the forest. On the last day of the festival people participate in merit making ceremonies at the Wat Ponchai in Dan Sai and lead processions through town soliciting donations for the temple.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    PhiTaKhon105.jpg
  • 26 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A man who came to vote but was unable to meditates in front of the voting booths at Wat That Thong after the polling place was shutdown by anti-government protestors. Anti-government protestors forced the closure of polling places in Bangkok Sunday as a part of Shutdown Bangkok. Early voting was supposed to be Sunday January 26 but blocked polling places left hundreds of thousands of people unable to vote casting the February 2 general election into doubt and further gridlocking Thai politics. Protestors blocked access to gates and entry ways to polling places and election officials chose the close them rather than confront protestors. Shutdown Bangkok has been going for 12 days with no resolution in sight. Suthep, the leader of the anti-government protests and the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), the umbrella organization of the protests,  is still demanding the caretaker government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra resign, the PM says she won't resign and intends to go ahead with the election.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    EarlyVotingShutdownBKK029.jpg
  • 11 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND:   People pray during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, or Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo. Makha Bucha Day is one of the most important holy days on the Thai Buddhist calender.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    2017MakhaBuchaDay049.jpg
  • 11 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND:   People pray during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, or Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo. Makha Bucha Day is one of the most important holy days on the Thai Buddhist calender.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    2017MakhaBuchaDay048.jpg
  • 11 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND:  People participate in the procession around the pagoda during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, or Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo. Makha Bucha Day is one of the most important holy days on the Thai Buddhist calender.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    2017MakhaBuchaDay046.jpg
  • 11 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND:  People participate in the procession around the pagoda during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, or Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo. Makha Bucha Day is one of the most important holy days on the Thai Buddhist calender.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    2017MakhaBuchaDay045.jpg
  • 11 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: Buddhist monks participate in a candlelight procession around the pagoda during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, or Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo. Makha Bucha Day is one of the most important holy days on the Thai Buddhist calender.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    2017MakhaBuchaDay042.jpg
  • 11 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: Buddhist monks participate in a candlelight procession around the pagoda during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, or Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo. Makha Bucha Day is one of the most important holy days on the Thai Buddhist calender.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    2017MakhaBuchaDay039.jpg
  • 11 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: Buddhist monks participate in a candlelight procession around the pagoda during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, or Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo. Makha Bucha Day is one of the most important holy days on the Thai Buddhist calender.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    2017MakhaBuchaDay037.jpg
  • 11 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: Buddhist monks participate in a candlelight procession around the pagoda during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, or Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo. Makha Bucha Day is one of the most important holy days on the Thai Buddhist calender.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    2017MakhaBuchaDay036.jpg
  • 11 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: Buddhist monks participate in a candlelight procession around the pagoda during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, or Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo. Makha Bucha Day is one of the most important holy days on the Thai Buddhist calender.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    2017MakhaBuchaDay035.jpg
  • 11 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: People participate in the procession around the pagoda during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, or Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo. Makha Bucha Day is one of the most important holy days on the Thai Buddhist calender.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    2017MakhaBuchaDay032.jpg
  • 11 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: Buddhist monks walk to their seat during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, or Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo. Makha Bucha Day is one of the most important holy days on the Thai Buddhist calender.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    2017MakhaBuchaDay027.jpg
  • 11 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: Buddhist monks pray in their seats on the pagoda during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, or Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo. Makha Bucha Day is one of the most important holy days on the Thai Buddhist calender.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    2017MakhaBuchaDay024.jpg
  • 11 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND:  People pray during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, or Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo. Makha Bucha Day is one of the most important holy days on the Thai Buddhist calender.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    2017MakhaBuchaDay015.jpg
  • 11 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND:  People pray during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, or Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo. Makha Bucha Day is one of the most important holy days on the Thai Buddhist calender.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    2017MakhaBuchaDay013.jpg
  • 11 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND:  People pray during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, or Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo. Makha Bucha Day is one of the most important holy days on the Thai Buddhist calender.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    2017MakhaBuchaDay012.jpg
  • 11 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: Buddhist monks pray in their seats on the pagoda during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, or Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo. Makha Bucha Day is one of the most important holy days on the Thai Buddhist calender.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    2017MakhaBuchaDay007.jpg
  • 11 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: People walk into the pagoda during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, or Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo. Makha Bucha Day is one of the most important holy days on the Thai Buddhist calender.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    2017MakhaBuchaDay002.jpg
  • 22 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: People participate in the candle light procession around the chedi during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBucha2016040.jpg
  • 22 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: Buddhist monks sit around the chedi during Makha Bucha Day at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo. The temple is famous for the design of its chedi, which some have likened to a flying saucer or UFO.           PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBucha2016033.jpg
  • 22 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND:  People pray during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBucha2016032.jpg
  • 22 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND:  People pray during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBucha2016031.jpg
  • 22 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: People pray during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBucha2016025.jpg
  • 22 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: People pray during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBucha2016024.jpg
  • 22 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND:  Monks pray during Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBucha2016020.jpg
  • 22 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: A monk walks into the chedi while Buddhist monks sit around the chedi during Makha Bucha Day at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo. The temple is famous for the design of its chedi, which some have likened to a flying saucer or UFO.         PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBucha2016015.jpg
  • 22 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND:  People pray as monks file into the temple during Makha Bucha Day at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBucha2016012.jpg
  • 22 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND:  People pray as monks file into the temple during Makha Bucha Day at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBucha2016011.jpg
  • 22 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND:  Buddhist monks sit around the chedi during Makha Bucha Day at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBucha2016009.jpg
  • 22 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND:  Monks and novices file into the chedi before the evening service for Makha Bucha Day at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBucha2016002.jpg
  • 22 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND:  Buddhist monks sit around the chedi during Makha Bucha Day at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBucha2016001.jpg
  • 14 FEBRUARY 2014 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: Lay people participate in the evening candle light procession for Makha Bucha Day at Wat Phra Dhammakaya. The aims of Makha Bucha Day are: not to commit any kind of sins, do only good and purify one's mind. It is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day. The day marks four important events in Buddhism, which happened nine months after the Enlightenment of the Buddha in northern India; 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha that evening without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBuchaWatDhammakaya048.jpg
  • 14 FEBRUARY 2014 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: Buddhist monks participate in the evening candle light procession for Makha Bucha Day at Wat Phra Dhammakaya. The aims of Makha Bucha Day are: not to commit any kind of sins, do only good and purify one's mind. It is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day. The day marks four important events in Buddhism, which happened nine months after the Enlightenment of the Buddha in northern India; 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha that evening without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBuchaWatDhammakaya034.jpg
  • 14 FEBRUARY 2014 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND:  Buddhist monks file out of the Maha Dhammakaya Cetiya during Makha Bucha Day at Wat Phra Dhammakaya. The aims of Makha Bucha Day are: not to commit any kind of sins, do only good and purify one's mind. It is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day. The day marks four important events in Buddhism, which happened nine months after the Enlightenment of the Buddha in northern India; 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha that evening without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBuchaWatDhammakaya026.jpg
  • 14 FEBRUARY 2014 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: Buddhist monks sit around the Maha Dhammakaya Cetiya during Makha Bucha Day at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  The aims of Makha Bucha Day are: not to commit any kind of sins, do only good and purify one's mind. It is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day. The day marks four important events in Buddhism, which happened nine months after the Enlightenment of the Buddha in northern India; 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha that evening without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBuchaWatDhammakaya021.jpg
  • 14 FEBRUARY 2014 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: Buddhist monks sit around the Maha Dhammakaya Cetiya during Makha Bucha Day at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  The aims of Makha Bucha Day are: not to commit any kind of sins, do only good and purify one's mind. It is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day. The day marks four important events in Buddhism, which happened nine months after the Enlightenment of the Buddha in northern India; 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha that evening without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBuchaWatDhammakaya020.jpg
  • 14 FEBRUARY 2014 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: Buddhist monks sit around the Maha Dhammakaya Cetiya during Makha Bucha Day at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  The aims of Makha Bucha Day are: not to commit any kind of sins, do only good and purify one's mind. It is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day. The day marks four important events in Buddhism, which happened nine months after the Enlightenment of the Buddha in northern India; 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha that evening without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBuchaWatDhammakaya012.jpg
  • 14 FEBRUARY 2014 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: Monks file into the main prayer area at Wat Phra Dhammakaya for Makha Bucha Day.  The aims of Makha Bucha Day are: not to commit any kind of sins, do only good and purify one's mind. It is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day. The day marks four important events in Buddhism, which happened nine months after the Enlightenment of the Buddha in northern India; 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha that evening without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBuchaWatDhammakaya009.jpg
  • 14 FEBRUARY 2014 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: Monks file into the main prayer area at Wat Phra Dhammakaya for Makha Bucha Day.  The aims of Makha Bucha Day are: not to commit any kind of sins, do only good and purify one's mind. It is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day. The day marks four important events in Buddhism, which happened nine months after the Enlightenment of the Buddha in northern India; 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha that evening without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBuchaWatDhammakaya008.jpg
  • 14 FEBRUARY 2014 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: A woman prays during the opening of evening Makha Bucha Day services at Wat Phra Dhammakaya. The aims of Makha Bucha Day are: not to commit any kind of sins, do only good and purify one's mind. It is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day. The day marks four important events in Buddhism, which happened nine months after the Enlightenment of the Buddha in northern India; 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha that evening without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBuchaWatDhammakaya005.jpg
  • 14 FEBRUARY 2014 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: A woman prays during the opening of evening Makha Bucha Day services at Wat Phra Dhammakaya. The aims of Makha Bucha Day are: not to commit any kind of sins, do only good and purify one's mind. It is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day. The day marks four important events in Buddhism, which happened nine months after the Enlightenment of the Buddha in northern India; 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha that evening without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBuchaWatDhammakaya004.jpg
  • 11 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND:  The full moon rises above the temple while Buddhist monks pray in their seats on the pagoda during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, or Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo. Makha Bucha Day is one of the most important holy days on the Thai Buddhist calender.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    2017MakhaBuchaDay050.jpg
  • 11 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND:  People participate in the procession around the pagoda during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, or Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo. Makha Bucha Day is one of the most important holy days on the Thai Buddhist calender.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    2017MakhaBuchaDay047.jpg
  • 11 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND:  People participate in the procession around the pagoda during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, or Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo. Makha Bucha Day is one of the most important holy days on the Thai Buddhist calender.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    2017MakhaBuchaDay044.jpg
  • 11 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: Buddhist monks participate in a candlelight procession around the pagoda during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, or Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo. Makha Bucha Day is one of the most important holy days on the Thai Buddhist calender.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    2017MakhaBuchaDay043.jpg
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Jack Kurtz, Photojournalist & Travel Photographer

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