There are two Buddhist holy days in July. Asarnha Bucha Day or Sangha Day and the beginning of Buddhist Lent, Wan Khao Punsa.

These days are official holidays in Thailand and many people celebrate this by going to temples for special ceremonies to remind the first sermon Lord Buddha gave to five disciples, introducing the middle way, the noble eight-fold path and the four noble truth.

"Asarnha" means the eighth lunar month and Asarnha Bucha means the ceremony in the eighth lunar month.

On the full moon day of the eighth lunar month, the Lord Buddha gave his first sermon and one of his followers became the first Buddhist monk. The followers of the Buddha are together called the Sangha and that is why Asarnha Bucha is called "Sangha Day".

During his first sermon, the Buddha spoke about "The Middle Way", which means that we should try hard enough but not too hard. If we wish to be successful in Spiritual life, we should avoid the two extremes:

1. Trying too hard, like not eating and not sleeping.

2. Not trying hard enough, like too much eating and too much sleeping.

He also spoke about the Noble Eightfold Path. This path tells us for instance:

1. Live in a way that does not harm ourselves or others,

2. To help ourselves and others and

3. To purify the mind.

 

He said: "Do good, avoid evil and purify the mind."

He gave eight guidelines to help us to live this way and together they are called the Noble Eightfold Path. He advised people to speak, act and earn their living in honestly. He also advised them to practise meditation to purify their minds and get deep wisdom (Panya in Thai).

The day is observed by donating offerings to temples and Buddhist monks for their fasting period of 3 months, "The Buddhist Lent", listening to sermons and try to live by the Noble Eightfold Path.

 

*** Asarnha Bucha Day is an official Thai holiday ***

 

*** Banks, Businesses, Government offices and many markets are closed ***

*** Ceremonies can be seen and experienced at any temple all through Thailand ***