Religious Affairs Dept. Encourages Buddhists To Join Activities On The Week Of Vesak At Sanam Luang

[Jai Dee]

Religious Affairs Dept. encourages Buddhists to join activities on the Week of Vesak at Sanam Luang

Director-General of the Department of Religious Affairs, Preecha Kanthiya (ปรีชา กันธิยะ), encourages Buddhists to join activities on the Week of Vesak which are aimed to promote morality and virtues.

Mr Preecha reports that Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is scheduled to preside over the opening ceremony of the Week of Vesak on May 26th at 17.00 hrs at Sanam Luang and present the Sao Sema Thamachaka (เสาเสมาธรรมจักร) awards to 180 outstanding monks and Buddhists.

The Week of Vesak’s activities will take place during May 25th – 31st at Sanam Luang. Hightlights of the activities include displays of Buddha relics and revered Buddha images from four regions for people to pay homage to. In addition, about 100 Buddhist organizations will jointly arrange activities in line with the way of life of Buddhist people and distribute books about Buddhist teachings.

The Department of Religious Affairs will also organize competitions on the recitation of Buddhist holy stanzas, delivery of sermons, and dance performance with songs about Buddhist teachings. Moreover, there will be a presentation of morning alms to 81 monks in every morning of the Week of Vesak. On May 31st, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont will preside over the ceremony pledging devotion to the Lord Buddha.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

In praise of Buddha

Buddhists participate in a candlelight ritual around the Buddha Monthol in Nakhon Pathom to mark Visakha Puja Day yesterday.

The annual ritual was presided over by Privy Councillor Amphol Senanarong, in place of HRH Princess Makha Chakri Sirindhorn, who was performing another royal duty.

Source: The Nation - 1 June 2007

[Jai Dee]

Thai Govt. joins Day of Vesak Celebration in Indonesia

The Thai Government is participating in the Celebration of the Day of Vesak in the Republic of Indonesia.

Thai Ambassador to Indonesia Mrs Atchara Seriputra (อัจฉรา เสริบุตร) reports that today (June, 1st) the Indonesian Government is scheduled to organize the 2007 Celebration of the Day of Vesak at Borobudur, one of the world’s wonders located at Yogyakarta province.

The celebration will be attended by ministers and religious leaders from Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Thailand. There will be performances on the life of the Buddha and Thailand is responsible for the one called “the Birth of Prince Siddhartha.” The Indonesian President is scheduled to preside over the opening ceremony of the celebration.

Mrs Atchara says it is an honor for Thailand to take part in the celebration and declare itself as a country which respects Buddhism.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 01 June 2007