Supreme Patriarch Gives Alms, 93 Today

[Jai Dee]

Supreme Patriarch gives alms, 93 today

Newly appointed Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont kneels and wais before His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch, who turns 93 today, at Wat Bowornniwet Vihara in Bangkok yesterday.

His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch yesterday presented alms to monks at Wat Bowonniwet Vihara as part of rituals marking his 93rd birthday today.

About 1,000 people joined in morning alms yesterday and dedicated merit to His Holiness.

"I am glad to see His Holiness presenting alms and in good health," said Amorn Sutti, a 49-year-old Bangkok resident.

Amorn left home at 5am to make it to the temple.

Banjongsri na Takua Thung, 81, said she and her children always attended birthday services for His Holiness.

"We have done this for years. I am delighted to see His Holiness is healthy. He has been an unshakeable pillar of Buddhism," the elderly woman said.

Following morning alms His Holiness granted audiences to many at Mahachulalongkornraja-vidyalaya University - the school for monks located within the Wat Bowonniwet Vihara compound.

Wat Bowonniwet Vihara school director Pairat Kornbongkotmas wished the Supreme Patriarch good health and a long life on behalf of all Buddhists.

"I thank all of you for your goodwill and wishes," His Holiness said, before bestowing blessings on all.

Those attending the ceremony received picture books of His Holiness, photographs featuring His Majesty the King with His Holiness, photographs of His Majesty during his time as a monk, and Buddha amulets.

When His Majesty was ordained 50 years ago, His Holiness was caretaker monk to the King.

Wat Bowonniwet Vihara school provided food to Buddhists yesterday and today.

In conjunction with Siriraj Hospital, the school is providing free medical check ups today.

At 10.30am yesterday, newly appointed Prime Minister General Surayud Chulanont and his wife Khunying Jitrawadee - along with former and current government officials - called on His Holiness. Surayud presented offerings and informed His Holiness of his appointment as the country's 24th prime minister.

The Supreme Patriarch gave Surayud Buddha amulets and statues.

Surayud and his wife presented a lunch to His Holiness.

After Surayud and his wife departed, the Supreme Patriarch met with Sonthi Limthongkul - a leader of the anti-Thaksin Shinawatra movement.

Other high-profile figures to pay respects to His Holiness were Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin and Religious Affairs Department director-general Preecha Kanthiya.

Privy Councillor Tanin Kraivixien represented Their Majesties the King and Queen.

His Majesty sponsored merit-making ceremonies, prayer services and meals for monks performing services for His Holiness yesterday.

Source: The Nation - 3 October 2006