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  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: People pray during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.         PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear018.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: A man puts dollar bills on a money tree which will be donated to the temple during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear003.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: A woman at a statue of the Buddha during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear029.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: A man puts dollar bills on a money tree which will be donated to the temple during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear004.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: A Buddhist monk leads prayers during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear022.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: A woman puts dollar bills on a money tree which will be donated to the temple during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear006.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: A man puts dollar bills on a money tree which will be donated to the temple during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear005.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: Women line up to make an offering in the Tak Bat during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear024.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: Men line up to make an offering in the Tak Bat during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear021.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: People pray during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.         PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear017.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: People pray during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.         PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear015.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: People pray during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.         PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear012.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: People pray during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.         PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear011.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: People pray during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.         PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear009.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: A Buddhist monk leads prayers during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear007.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: A woman sprinkles scented water on a statue of the Buddha during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear030.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: Men make an offering at the Tak Bat during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.         PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear028.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: Women make an offering at the Tak Bat during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear027.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: A Buddhist monk leads prayers during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear023.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: Men line up to make an offering in the Tak Bat during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear020.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: A Buddhist monk leads prayers during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear019.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: People pray during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.         PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear016.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: People pray during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.         PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear010.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: Buddhist monks leads prayers during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear008.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: Women make an offering at the Tak Bat during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear026.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: People pray during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.         PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear014.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: People pray during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.         PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear013.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: Men make an offering at the Tak Bat during Lao New Year, also called Songkran,  observances at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia. Songkran is celebrated in Theravada Buddhist countries (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia) and in Theravada Buddhist communities around the world.         PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear025.jpg
  • 28 AUGUST 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A Theravada Buddhist monk prays with a person who made merit in Bangkok's Chinatown. Mahayana  Buddhists believe that the gates of hell are opened on the full moon of the seventh lunar month of the Chinese calendar, and the spirits of hungry ghosts allowed to roam the earth. These ghosts need food and merit to find their way back to their own. People help by offering food, paper money, candles and flowers, making merit of their own in the process. Hungry Ghost Day is observed in communities with a large ethnic Chinese population, like Bangkok's Chinatown.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    HungryGhostDay025.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: The ordination hall at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear001.jpg
  • 14 APRIL 2019 - DES MOINES, IOWA: The main Buddha statue in the ordination hall at Wat Lao Buddhavath in Des Moines. Several thousand Lao people live in Des Moines. Most came to the US after the wars in Southeast Asia.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoNewYear002.jpg
  • 28 AUGUST 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A Buddhist monk walks through the Chinatown section of Bangkok.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    HungryGhostDay053.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A woman and her daughters make merit for Vesak at Wat That Thong in Bangkok. Vesak, called Wisakha Bucha in Thailand, is one of the most important Buddhist holy days celebrated in Thailand. Sometimes called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually marks the birth, enlightenment (nirvana), and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha in the Theravada or southern tradition. It is also celebrated in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and other countries where Theravada Buddhism is the dominant form of Buddhism.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Vesak2014007.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A woman carries a candle lantern during Vesak services at Wat That Thong in Bangkok. Vesak, called Wisakha Bucha in Thailand, is one of the most important Buddhist holy days celebrated in Thailand. Sometimes called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually marks the birth, enlightenment (nirvana), and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha in the Theravada or southern tradition. It is also celebrated in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and other countries where Theravada Buddhism is the dominant form of Buddhism.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Vesak2014018.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A time exposure of people carrying candles in a procession for Vesak around Wat That Thong in Bangkok. Vesak, called Wisakha Bucha in Thailand, is one of the most important Buddhist holy days celebrated in Thailand. Sometimes called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually marks the birth, enlightenment (nirvana), and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha in the Theravada or southern tradition. It is also celebrated in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and other countries where Theravada Buddhism is the dominant form of Buddhism.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Vesak2014016.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A man prays during Vesak ceremonies at Wat That Thong in Bangkok. Vesak, called Wisakha Bucha in Thailand, is one of the most important Buddhist holy days celebrated in Thailand. Sometimes called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually marks the birth, enlightenment (nirvana), and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha in the Theravada or southern tradition. It is also celebrated in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and other countries where Theravada Buddhism is the dominant form of Buddhism.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Vesak2014011.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People pray for Vesak on the plaza in front  of Wat That Thong while others walk clockwise around the temple. Vesak, called Wisakha Bucha in Thailand, is one of the most important Buddhist holy days celebrated in Thailand. Sometimes called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually marks the birth, enlightenment (nirvana), and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha in the Theravada or southern tradition. It is also celebrated in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and other countries where Theravada Buddhism is the dominant form of Buddhism.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Vesak2014009.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People gather for Vesak on the plaza in front of Wat That Thong in Bangkok. Vesak, called Wisakha Bucha in Thailand, is one of the most important Buddhist holy days celebrated in Thailand. Sometimes called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually marks the birth, enlightenment (nirvana), and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha in the Theravada or southern tradition. It is also celebrated in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and other countries where Theravada Buddhism is the dominant form of Buddhism.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Vesak2014008.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A woman makes merit for Vesak at Wat That Thong in Bangkok. Vesak, called Wisakha Bucha in Thailand, is one of the most important Buddhist holy days celebrated in Thailand. Sometimes called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually marks the birth, enlightenment (nirvana), and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha in the Theravada or southern tradition. It is also celebrated in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and other countries where Theravada Buddhism is the dominant form of Buddhism.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Vesak2014006.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  People gather for Vesak on the plaza in front of Wat That Thong in Bangkok. Vesak, called Wisakha Bucha in Thailand, is one of the most important Buddhist holy days celebrated in Thailand. Sometimes called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually marks the birth, enlightenment (nirvana), and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha in the Theravada or southern tradition. It is also celebrated in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and other countries where Theravada Buddhism is the dominant form of Buddhism.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Vesak2014004.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A man prays during Vesak services at Wat That Thong in Bangkok. Vesak, called Wisakha Bucha in Thailand, is one of the most important Buddhist holy days celebrated in Thailand. Sometimes called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually marks the birth, enlightenment (nirvana), and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha in the Theravada or southern tradition. It is also celebrated in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and other countries where Theravada Buddhism is the dominant form of Buddhism.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Vesak2014017.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A woman makes merit for Vesak while others walks clockwise around Wat That Thong in Bangkok. Vesak, called Wisakha Bucha in Thailand, is one of the most important Buddhist holy days celebrated in Thailand. Sometimes called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually marks the birth, enlightenment (nirvana), and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha in the Theravada or southern tradition. It is also celebrated in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and other countries where Theravada Buddhism is the dominant form of Buddhism.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Vesak2014005.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A woman prays after making an offering during Vesak ceremonies at Wat That Thong in Bangkok. Vesak, called Wisakha Bucha in Thailand, is one of the most important Buddhist holy days celebrated in Thailand. Sometimes called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually marks the birth, enlightenment (nirvana), and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha in the Theravada or southern tradition. It is also celebrated in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and other countries where Theravada Buddhism is the dominant form of Buddhism.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Vesak2014001.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Buddhist monks walk clockwise around Wat That Thong during services on Vesak in the temple. Vesak, called Wisakha Bucha in Thailand, is one of the most important Buddhist holy days celebrated in Thailand. Sometimes called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually marks the birth, enlightenment (nirvana), and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha in the Theravada or southern tradition. It is also celebrated in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and other countries where Theravada Buddhism is the dominant form of Buddhism.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Vesak2014012.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Women pray during Vesak ceremonies at Wat That Thong in Bangkok. Vesak, called Wisakha Bucha in Thailand, is one of the most important Buddhist holy days celebrated in Thailand. Sometimes called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually marks the birth, enlightenment (nirvana), and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha in the Theravada or southern tradition. It is also celebrated in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and other countries where Theravada Buddhism is the dominant form of Buddhism.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Vesak2014010.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A woman prays on Vesak in front of Wat That Thong in Bangkok. Vesak, called Wisakha Bucha in Thailand, is one of the most important Buddhist holy days celebrated in Thailand. Sometimes called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually marks the birth, enlightenment (nirvana), and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha in the Theravada or southern tradition. It is also celebrated in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and other countries where Theravada Buddhism is the dominant form of Buddhism.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Vesak2014003.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A woman prays on Vesak in front of Wat That Thong in Bangkok. Vesak, called Wisakha Bucha in Thailand, is one of the most important Buddhist holy days celebrated in Thailand. Sometimes called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually marks the birth, enlightenment (nirvana), and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha in the Theravada or southern tradition. It is also celebrated in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and other countries where Theravada Buddhism is the dominant form of Buddhism.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Vesak2014002.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Buddhist monks walk clockwise around Wat That Thong during services on Vesak in the temple. Vesak, called Wisakha Bucha in Thailand, is one of the most important Buddhist holy days celebrated in Thailand. Sometimes called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually marks the birth, enlightenment (nirvana), and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha in the Theravada or southern tradition. It is also celebrated in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and other countries where Theravada Buddhism is the dominant form of Buddhism.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Vesak2014015.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Buddhist monks walk clockwise around Wat That Thong during services on Vesak in the temple. Vesak, called Wisakha Bucha in Thailand, is one of the most important Buddhist holy days celebrated in Thailand. Sometimes called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually marks the birth, enlightenment (nirvana), and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha in the Theravada or southern tradition. It is also celebrated in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and other countries where Theravada Buddhism is the dominant form of Buddhism.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Vesak2014014.jpg
  • 13 MAY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Buddhist monks walk clockwise around Wat That Thong during services on Vesak in the temple. Vesak, called Wisakha Bucha in Thailand, is one of the most important Buddhist holy days celebrated in Thailand. Sometimes called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually marks the birth, enlightenment (nirvana), and death (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha in the Theravada or southern tradition. It is also celebrated in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and other countries where Theravada Buddhism is the dominant form of Buddhism.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Vesak2014013.jpg
  • 29 MAY 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People hold lotus blossoms while they pray during Vesak observances at Wat Hua Lamphong in Bangkok. Vesak is the Buddha's birthday, and one of the most important holy days in the Theravada Buddhist religion. Many Thais visit their local temples for Vesak and rededicate themselves to the Dharma, listen to talks about Buddhism and make merit by bringing flowers to the temple.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    2018Vesak035.jpg
  • 29 MAY 2018 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People with candles participate in a procession around the prayer hall during Vesak observances at Wat Hua Lamphong in Bangkok. Vesak is the Buddha's birthday, and one of the most important holy days in the Theravada Buddhist religion. Many Thais visit their local temples for Vesak and rededicate themselves to the Dharma, listen to talks about Buddhism and make merit by bringing flowers to the temple.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    2018Vesak030.jpg
  • 11 SEPTEMBER 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  People burn "ghost money" before a food distribution for poor members of the community at Wat Kalayanamit in the Thonburi section of Bangkok. Food distribution is a common way of making merit in Chinese Buddhist temples. Wat Kalayanamit, a Thai Theravada temple, was founded by a Chinese-Thai family in the 1820s and observes both Thai and Chinese Buddhist traditions. The food distribution was not related to the temple's efforts to evict people living on the temple grounds, but many of the people at the food distribution live in the houses the temple plans to raze.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatKalanayamitrFoodDistribution003.jpg
  • 21 AUGUST 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Thai state security agents on duty during the religious ceremony at Erawan Shrine Friday. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) held a religious ceremony Friday for the Ratchaprasong bomb victims. The ceremony started with a Brahmin blessing at Erawan Shrine, which was the target of a bombing Monday night. After the blessing people went across the street to the plaza in front of Central World mall for an interfaith religious service. Theravada Buddhists, Mahayana Buddhists, Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, and Christians participated in the service. Life at the shrine, one of the busiest in Bangkok, is returning to normal. Friday the dancers and musicians who perform at the shrine resumed their schedules.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ErawanShrineCeremony009.jpg
  • 14 AUGUST 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:     A man paints a dragon in a small Chinese shrine in the Talat Noi section of Bangkok. Most Thais are Theravada Buddhists but many Chinese-Thais are Mahayana Buddhists. Talat Noi is a small part of Chinatown that dates back to the Ayutthaya period. It is a melting pot of various cultures and was originally settled by Portuguese,  Vietnamese, Hokkien, Teochew and Hakka Chinese. Now it is mostly small mechanical shops and used car parts.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ScenesofBangkok0815012.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People wash monks' feet to make merit during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. 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. 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 monks 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 "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014039.jpg
  • 12 DECEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Thai-Chinese Mahayana Buddhist Monks file out of a chanting service during a mourning service for the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand in a  at Wat Bowon Niwet in Bangkok. Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, who headed Thailand’s order of Buddhist monks for more than two decades and was known as the Supreme Patriarch, died Oct. 24 at a hospital in Bangkok. He was 100. He was ordained as a Buddhist monk in 1933 and rose through the monastic ranks to become the Supreme Patriarch in 1989. He was the spiritual advisor to Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand when the King served as monk in 1956. There is a 100 day mourning period for the Patriarch, the service Thursday, on the 50th day, included members of the Thai Royal Family. Although the Patriarch was a Theravada Buddhist, he was the Supreme Patriarch of all Buddhists in Thailand, including the Mahayana sect, which is based in Chinese Buddhism.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SupremePatriarchMourned022.jpg
  • 12 DECEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Women pray for the Supreme Patriarch at Wat Bowon Niwet in Bangkok. Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, who headed Thailand’s order of Buddhist monks for more than two decades and was known as the Supreme Patriarch, died Oct. 24 at a hospital in Bangkok. He was 100. He was ordained as a Buddhist monk in 1933 and rose through the monastic ranks to become the Supreme Patriarch in 1989. He was the spiritual advisor to Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand when the King served as monk in 1956. There is a 100 day mourning period for the Patriarch, the service Thursday, on the 50th day, included members of the Thai Royal Family. Although the Patriarch was a Theravada Buddhist, he was the Supreme Patriarch of all Buddhists in Thailand, including the Mahayana sect, which is based in Chinese Buddhism.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SupremePatriarchMourned018.jpg
  • 12 DECEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Members of an honor guard line Phra Sumen Road in front of Wat Bowon Niwet in Bangkok during a mourning service for the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand. Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, who headed Thailand’s order of Buddhist monks for more than two decades and was known as the Supreme Patriarch, died Oct. 24 at a hospital in Bangkok. He was 100. He was ordained as a Buddhist monk in 1933 and rose through the monastic ranks to become the Supreme Patriarch in 1989. He was the spiritual advisor to Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand when the King served as monk in 1956. There is a 100 day mourning period for the Patriarch, the service Thursday, on the 50th day, included members of the Thai Royal Family. Although the Patriarch was a Theravada Buddhist, he was the Supreme Patriarch of all Buddhists in Thailand, including the Mahayana sect, which is based in Chinese Buddhism.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SupremePatriarchMourned004.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND: Buddhist monks climb the stairway to the Mondop (chapel that houses the footprint) before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. 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. 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."       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi064.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND: A monk receives flowers from the crowd during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. 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. 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."     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi043.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND:   A senior monk leads novices in a chanting service during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. 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. 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."   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi026.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND:  Flower vendors set out "dancing lady ginger" flowers for people to buy during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. 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. 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."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi022.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND:  People pray at the footprint of Buddha in the Mondop (chapel that houses the footprint) before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. 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. 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."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi008.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A family makes merit and presents a monk with alms at Wat Mahabut on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." 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."       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721061.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Buddhist monks at Wat Benchamabophit wait for people to present them with alms on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." 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."      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721024.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Buddhist monks at Wat Benchamabophit wait for people to present them with alms on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." 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."      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721001.jpg
  • 06 JUNE 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   The main Buddha statue in Wat Bhoman Khunaram. Wat Bhoman Khunaram on Sathu Pradit Road in Bangkok, is considered the most beautiful Chinese temple in Thailand. The temple was built in a blend of Thai, Chinese and Tibetan styles. It was built in the 1959 and is a Mahayana Buddhist temple (most Thais are Theravada Buddihists). There is a monastery on the temple grounds and many boys go to the temple to become monks and learn Chinese Buddhist rituals and Chinese language.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBhomanKhunaram002.jpg
  • 11 MARCH 2012 - CHANDLER, AZ:     People participate in Buddhist chanting in the "bot" or ordination hall during Makha Bucha Day services at Wat Pa in Chandler, AZ, Sunday. Magha Puja (also spelled Makha Bucha) Day marks the day 2,500 years ago that 1,250 Sangha came spontaneously to see the Buddha who preached to them on the full moon. All of them were "Arhantas" or Enlightened Ones who had been personally ordained by the Buddha. The Buddha gave them the principles of Buddhism, called "The Ovadhapatimokha." Those principles are: to cease from all evil, to do what is good, and to cleanse one's mind. It is one of the most important holy days in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. At the temple, people participate in the "Tum Boon" (making merit by listening to the monk's preaching and giving a donation to the temple), the "Rub Sil" (keeping of the Five Precepts including the abstinence from alcohol and other immoral acts) and the "Tuk Bard" (offering food to the monks in their alms bowls). It is a day for veneration of the Buddha and his teachings. It's a legal holiday in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma).     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBuchaDay016.jpg
  • 15 JULY 2011 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND:  A robed statue of the Buddha is showered with flowers during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Friday, July 15. Wat Phra Phutthabat in Phra Phutthabat, Saraburi, Thailand, is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. 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. 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." The tradition of Vassa began during the life of the Buddha. Most of the time, the first Buddhist monks who followed the Buddha did not stay in one place, but walked from village to village to teach. They begged for their food and often slept outdoors, sheltered only by trees. But during India's summer rainy season living as homeless ascetics became difficult. So, groups of monks would find a place to stay together until the rain stopped, forming a temporary community. Wealthy laypeople sometimes sheltered monks on their estates. Eventually a few of these patrons built permanent houses for monks, which amounted to an early form of monastery.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLent015.jpg
  • 24 AUGUST 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: The skyline of Thonburi seen from the Chee Chin Chor pagoda in Thonburi. Wat Thong Noppakhun, one of the oldest temples in Bangkok is in the foreground. Chee Chin Khor Moral Up-Lifting for Benefiction Foundation in a Chinese style temple on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. It blends aspects of Taoism, Buddhism (both Theravada and Mahayana), Islam, and Christianity religious traditions. Members of the temple perform community services throughout Bangkok.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MiscBangkok0824008.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People wait to present flowers to the monks before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. 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. 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 monks 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 "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014041.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People wait to present flowers to the monks before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. 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. 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 monks 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 "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014034.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People present monks with flowers during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. 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. 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 monks 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 "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014026.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People pray and make merit in the chapel housing a footprint of the Buddha before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. 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. 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 monks 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 "Buddhist Lent."     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014001.jpg
  • 29 DECEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A person prays for the Patriarch at Wat Bowon Niwet in Bangkok. Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, who headed Thailand’s order of Buddhist monks for more than two decades and was known as the Supreme Patriarch, died Oct. 24 at a hospital in Bangkok. He was 100. He was ordained as a Buddhist monk in 1933 and rose through the monastic ranks to become the Supreme Patriarch in 1989. He was the spiritual advisor to Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand when the King served as monk in 1956. There is a 100 day mourning period for the Patriarch. Although the Patriarch was a Theravada Buddhist, he was the Supreme Patriarch of all Buddhists in Thailand, including the Mahayana sect, which is based on Chinese Buddhism.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    PatriarchMourning1229015.jpg
  • 12 DECEMBER 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A man plays violin in a corner of Wat Bowon Niwet in Bangkok during a mourning service for the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand. Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, who headed Thailand’s order of Buddhist monks for more than two decades and was known as the Supreme Patriarch, died Oct. 24 at a hospital in Bangkok. He was 100. He was ordained as a Buddhist monk in 1933 and rose through the monastic ranks to become the Supreme Patriarch in 1989. He was the spiritual advisor to Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand when the King served as monk in 1956. There is a 100 day mourning period for the Patriarch, the service Thursday, on the 50th day, included members of the Thai Royal Family. Although the Patriarch was a Theravada Buddhist, he was the Supreme Patriarch of all Buddhists in Thailand, including the Mahayana sect, which is based in Chinese Buddhism.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SupremePatriarchMourned006.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND: Monks walk into a chapel at Wat Phra Phutthabat during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. 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. 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."     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi070.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND: Buddhist novices leave the Mondop (chapel that houses a footprint of the Buddha) during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. 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. 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."     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi069.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND:  A woman prays before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. 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. 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."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi009.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People wait in line to make merit at Wat Mahabut on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." 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."          PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721058.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A family makes merit and presents a senior monk with alms at Wat Mahabut on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." 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."       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721051.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A Buddhist monk walks along a street near Wat Benchamabophit on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." 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."      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721026.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A Buddhist monk walks into Wat Benchamabophit on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." 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."      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721016.jpg
  • 06 JUNE 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A door at Wat Bhoman Khunaram. Wat Bhoman Khunaram on Sathu Pradit Road in Bangkok, is considered the most beautiful Chinese temple in Thailand. The temple was built in a blend of Thai, Chinese and Tibetan styles. It was built in the 1959 and is a Mahayana Buddhist temple (most Thais are Theravada Buddihists). There is a monastery on the temple grounds and many boys go to the temple to become monks and learn Chinese Buddhist rituals and Chinese language.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBhomanKhunaram005.jpg
  • 11 MARCH 2013 - LUANG PRABANG, LAOS:  Buddhist monks collect alms during the tak bat in Luang Prabang. The "Tak Bat" is a daily ritual in most of Laos (and other Theravada Buddhist countries like Thailand and Cambodia). Monks leave their temples at dawn and walk silently through the streets and people put rice and other foodstuffs into their alms bowls. Luang Prabang, in northern Laos, is particularly well known for the morning "tak bat" because of the large number temples and monks in the city. Most mornings hundreds of monks go out to collect alms from people.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LuangPrabangTakBat0311049.jpg
  • 11 MARCH 2013 - LUANG PRABANG, LAOS: A woman drops a serving of sticky rice into a monk's alms bowl during the tak bat in Luang Prabang. The "Tak Bat" is a daily ritual in most of Laos (and other Theravada Buddhist countries like Thailand and Cambodia). Monks leave their temples at dawn and walk silently through the streets and people put rice and other foodstuffs into their alms bowls. Luang Prabang, in northern Laos, is particularly well known for the morning "tak bat" because of the large number temples and monks in the city. Most mornings hundreds of monks go out to collect alms from people.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LuangPrabangTakBat0311046.jpg
  • 11 MARCH 2013 - LUANG PRABANG, LAOS: Buddhist monks collect alms during the tak bat in Luang Prabang. The "Tak Bat" is a daily ritual in most of Laos (and other Theravada Buddhist countries like Thailand and Cambodia). Monks leave their temples at dawn and walk silently through the streets and people put rice and other foodstuffs into their alms bowls. Luang Prabang, in northern Laos, is particularly well known for the morning "tak bat" because of the large number temples and monks in the city. Most mornings hundreds of monks go out to collect alms from people.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LuangPrabangTakBat0311039.jpg
  • 11 MARCH 2013 - LUANG PRABANG, LAOS: A woman drops a serving of sticky rice into a monk's alms bowl during the tak bat in Luang Prabang. The "Tak Bat" is a daily ritual in most of Laos (and other Theravada Buddhist countries like Thailand and Cambodia). Monks leave their temples at dawn and walk silently through the streets and people put rice and other foodstuffs into their alms bowls. Luang Prabang, in northern Laos, is particularly well known for the morning "tak bat" because of the large number temples and monks in the city. Most mornings hundreds of monks go out to collect alms from people.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LuangPrabangTakBat0311023.jpg
  • 11 MARCH 2013 - LUANG PRABANG, LAOS:   Buddhist monks collect alms during the tak bat in Luang Prabang. The "Tak Bat" is a daily ritual in most of Laos (and other Theravada Buddhist countries like Thailand and Cambodia). Monks leave their temples at dawn and walk silently through the streets and people put rice and other foodstuffs into their alms bowls. Luang Prabang, in northern Laos, is particularly well known for the morning "tak bat" because of the large number temples and monks in the city. Most mornings hundreds of monks go out to collect alms from people.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LuangPrabangTakBat0311019.jpg
  • 11 MARCH 2013 - LUANG PRABANG, LAOS:  Buddhist monks collect alms during the tak bat in Luang Prabang. The "Tak Bat" is a daily ritual in most of Laos (and other Theravada Buddhist countries like Thailand and Cambodia). Monks leave their temples at dawn and walk silently through the streets and people put rice and other foodstuffs into their alms bowls. Luang Prabang, in northern Laos, is particularly well known for the morning "tak bat" because of the large number temples and monks in the city. Most mornings hundreds of monks go out to collect alms from people.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LuangPrabangTakBat0311012.jpg
  • 11 MARCH 2013 - LUANG PRABANG, LAOS:  Buddhist monks collect alms during the tak bat in Luang Prabang. The "Tak Bat" is a daily ritual in most of Laos (and other Theravada Buddhist countries like Thailand and Cambodia). Monks leave their temples at dawn and walk silently through the streets and people put rice and other foodstuffs into their alms bowls. Luang Prabang, in northern Laos, is particularly well known for the morning "tak bat" because of the large number temples and monks in the city. Most mornings hundreds of monks go out to collect alms from people.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LuangPrabangTakBat0311007.jpg
  • 23 DECEMBER 2012 - SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE: People pray and make offerings at a Thai Theravada Buddhist shrine in a shopping mall in Singapore.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    Singapore2012174.jpg
  • 11 MARCH 2012 - CHANDLER, AZ:      Buddha statues in the "bot" or ordination hall at Wat Pa in Chandler, AZ, Sunday.  Wat Pa serves the Theravada Buddhist community in the suburbs of Phoenix.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBuchaDay001.jpg
  • 15 JULY 2011 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND:   Monks make the final ascent to the temple up a flight of stairs during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Friday, July 15. Wat Phra Phutthabat in Phra Phutthabat, Saraburi, Thailand, is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. 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. 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." The tradition of Vassa began during the life of the Buddha. Most of the time, the first Buddhist monks who followed the Buddha did not stay in one place, but walked from village to village to teach. They begged for their food and often slept outdoors, sheltered only by trees. But during India's summer rainy season living as homeless ascetics became difficult. So, groups of monks would find a place to stay together until the rain stopped, forming a temporary community. Wealthy laypeople sometimes sheltered monks on their estates. Eventually a few of these patrons built permanent houses for monks, which amounted to an early form of monastery.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLent030.jpg
  • 15 JULY 2011 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND:  People place flowers on a float carrying a robed statue of the Buddha during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Friday, July 15. Wat Phra Phutthabat in Phra Phutthabat, Saraburi, Thailand, is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. 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. 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." The tradition of Vassa began during the life of the Buddha. Most of the time, the first Buddhist monks who followed the Buddha did not stay in one place, but walked from village to village to teach. They begged for their food and often slept outdoors, sheltered only by trees. But during India's summer rainy season living as homeless ascetics became difficult. So, groups of monks would find a place to stay together until the rain stopped, forming a temporary community. Wealthy laypeople sometimes sheltered monks on their estates. Eventually a few of these patrons built permanent houses for monks, which amounted to an early form of monastery. Photo by Jack Kurtz / ZUMA Press  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLent025.jpg
  • 15 JULY 2011 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: A woman prepares to offer flowers to the monks during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Friday, July 15. Wat Phra Phutthabat in Phra Phutthabat, Saraburi, Thailand, is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. 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. 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." The tradition of Vassa began during the life of the Buddha. Most of the time, the first Buddhist monks who followed the Buddha did not stay in one place, but walked from village to village to teach. They begged for their food and often slept outdoors, sheltered only by trees. But during India's summer rainy season living as homeless ascetics became difficult. So, groups of monks would find a place to stay together until the rain stopped, forming a temporary community. Wealthy laypeople sometimes sheltered monks on their estates. Eventually a few of these patrons built permanent houses for monks, which amounted to an early form of monastery.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLent017.jpg
  • 15 JULY 2011 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND:    People present flowers and candles to monks during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Friday, July 15. Wat Phra Phutthabat is Phra Phutthabat, Saraburi, Thailand, is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. 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. 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." The tradition of Vassa began during the life of the Buddha. Most of the time, the first Buddhist monks who followed the Buddha did not stay in one place, but walked from village to village to teach. They begged for their food and often slept outdoors, sheltered only by trees. But during India's summer rainy season living as homeless ascetics became difficult. So, groups of monks would find a place to stay together until the rain stopped, forming a temporary community. Wealthy laypeople sometimes sheltered monks on their estates. Eventually a few of these patrons built permanent houses for monks, which amounted to an early form of monastery.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLent003.jpg
  • 24 OCTOBER 2010 - CHANDLER, AZ: A woman makes a financial contribution to the temple during the Ok Phansa services to mark the end of Buddhist Lent at Wat Pa, in Chandler, AZ, Sunday October 24. Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). Ok Phansa Day marks the end of the Buddhist lent and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, this year Oct 23. Wat Pa, a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple, celebrated Ok Phansa Day on October 24.    Photo by Jack Kurtz
    OkPansaDay020.jpg
  • 24 OCTOBER 2010 - CHANDLER, AZ: Women pray during the Ok Phansa services to mark the end of Buddhist Lent at Wat Pa, in Chandler, AZ, Sunday October 24. Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). Ok Phansa Day marks the end of the Buddhist lent and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, this year Oct 23. Wat Pa, a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple, celebrated Ok Phansa Day on October 24.    Photo by Jack Kurtz
    OkPansaDay007.jpg
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Jack Kurtz, Photojournalist & Travel Photographer

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