Various religious groups, government agencies, private organizations, and the general public have joined hands in merit-making as a tribute to His Majesty the King during the Buddhism week from July 22 to 26. The period is in observance of Asalha Puja Day, which coincides with July 26 this year.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva urged Buddhist Thais to practice in accordance with the Buddha’s teachings, which include right view, a way leading to a happy and peaceful life. All temples in Thailand have organized religious activities to observe this important religious occasion.

Asalha Puja commemorates the day when the Buddha’s first sermon was delivered to his first five disciples. It falls on the full moon day of the eighth lunar month, coming one day before the Buddhist Lent Day. Regarded as a significant day for all Buddhists, Asalha Puja marks the coming into existence of the Triple Gem, comprising the Buddha, his teachings, or Dhamma, and his disciples, or the Sangha. On that day, the Buddha’s first sermon was delivered to his first disciples.

After the Buddha attained his enlightenment and realized that five ascetics, his former friends in meditation, would attain Nirvana promptly, on hearing his teaching, he proceeded to preach to them on the full moon day of the eighth lunar month. The Buddha gave his first sermon at the Deer Park near Benares, touching on the Four Noble Truths and the Middle Way.

The first Noble Truth is about suffering, the second one about the origin of suffering, the third one the extinction of suffering, and the fourth one the path leading to the extinction of suffering. According to the Four Noble Truths, our existence is bound up with suffering, which means birth, decay, death, sorrow, pain, grief, and despair. Desire, which includes selfishness and craving, is the main cause of suffering. To stop suffering, Buddhism advocates extinction of desire. The way to eliminate the cause of suffering consists of right view or right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

As for the Middle Way, those who follow it avoid the two extremes of sensual indulgence and self-mortification, and live a balanced life in which material welfare and spiritual well-being go hand in hand, parallel and complementary to each other.

There are five major religions currently observed by population groups throughout Thailand. They include Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Sikhism. His Majesty the King, a Buddhist, is the royal patron of each faith, which allows the faithful of different religions to live together peacefully. The Thai government has accorded people not only religious freedom but also full support to their faith.

Owing to government support, Thailand is acclaimed as the “World Buddhism Gateway.”

Source: Public Relations Department of the Royal Thai government

Many activities will be held both in Bangkok and the provinces to celebrate the 8th cycle or the 96th birthday anniversary of His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the Supreme Patriarch, from late September to the end of October 2009.

The Supreme Patriarch will turn 96 on October 3. For Thai people, the 8th cycle is an important milestone of life and a special celebration is usually arranged on this occasion. The Government has set up a national commission on the celebrations, chaired by the Prime Minister. The national commission has given approval to the organizing of various activities in commemoration of this auspicious occasion and as a tribute to the Supreme Patriarch.

For instance, the Office of National Buddhism will join hands with foundations, educational institutions, and government agencies in arranging Dhamma practices by 500 monks and 1,000 laymen from September 29 to October 3 at Buddhamonthon in Nakhon Pathom province. Other activities include Dhamma discussions, sermons, alms-giving, and an exhibition on the life and work of the Supreme Patriarch.

Wat Bovornnives, the residence of the Supreme Patriarch, in Bangkok, will hold special religious ceremonies and an exhibition featuring the life and work of the Supreme Patriarch from October 1 to 31. Other activities include sermons and the publishing of books and archives for this occasion.

The highlight will be on October 3, when all provinces across the country will organize several religious activities, such as merit-making ceremonies, Dhamma talks and practices, and sermons.

In order to mark the 96th birthday anniversary of the Supreme Patriarch, the World Buddhist University will organize an International Conference on Buddhism and the World Economic Crisis on October 2 at the Headquarters of the World Fellowship of Buddhists in Bangkok.

The Supreme Patriarch, Head of the Buddhist Order, is responsible for all ecclesiastical affairs of the order in Thailand. Born in Kanchanaburi province, His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara was formerly known as Charoen Gajavatra. He was ordained as a novice when he was 14 years old and he entered into the monkhood in 1933.

His Holiness has served as the Supreme Patriarch since 1989. A highly studious person, he has always had the habit of acquiring new knowledge, especially languages. His self-study methods include reading English newspapers, listening to BBC English broadcasts, and reading English books on Buddhism. Besides English, His Holiness also studied German and French and learned Chinese. He is the first Supreme Patriarch who did not come from a royal lineage.

Recognized as one of the most important Buddhist scholars of our time, His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch has greatly contributed to Buddhist education, administration, teaching, and dissemination.

Source: The Government Public Relations Department