Flower Offering Alms Tradition
At Ban Raphao Monastic Residence
Flower Alms Offering
Venue: Ban Raphao Monastic Residence, Tha Sawang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surin Province
Time: Held annually on Asalha Puja Day or the waning moon of the 8th lunar month.
Origin According to Buddhist Legend
This tradition originates from a Buddhist legend about Nai Suman Malakarn, who collected jasmine flowers to offer to King Bimbisara.
Upon encountering the Buddha, he offered the flowers to Him instead.
This act evolved into the practice of offering flowers as a form of alms instead of food, giving rise to the Flower Alms Offering tradition that has been passed down through generations.
Flowers Used for the Alms Offering
Local flowers used for the alms offering include:
- Hong Hern flowers or Khao Phansa flowers, which bloom at the right time for the ceremony
- Chom Muen Lee flowers, lotus flowers, and jasmine flowers
Villagers arrange these flowers into bouquets for placing in the alms bowls, similar to the tradition at Wat Phra Phutthabat, Saraburi.
Ritual Format
Flower Alms Offering Ceremony
During the Flower Alms Offering Ceremony, monks go out to receive alms while the community sits in rows on both sides of the road, each person holding flowers to place into the monks alms bowls or onto the white cloth they carry.
Offering of Rain-Bathing Robes Ceremony
Villagers collectively offer rainwater and rain-bathing robes to the monks, symbolizing their willingness to care for the monks during the rainy season retreat (Vassa).
Merit-Making Activities
- Chanting of Buddhist Scriptures: Monks recite prayers to bring blessings to participants.
- Dharma Talks: Senior monks give teachings, offering guidance on living according to Buddhist principles.
- Local Cultural Performances: Traditional activities such as Bai Sri dance and folk music performances are held to preserve and celebrate local heritage.
Beliefs and Merits
Flower Alms Offering at Ban Raphao Monastic Residence
This ceremony is not only a beautiful ritual during Buddhist Lent (Khao Phansa) but also reflects deep devotion to Buddhism. It serves as an expression of respect for the monks during the rainy season retreat.
Participants believe that taking part in the ceremony will bring great merit, enhance good karma and fortune, and purify the mind, creating peace and serenity for themselves and their families. Additionally, it helps preserve spiritual values and pass them on steadily to future generations.
The Flower Alms Offering Tradition at Ban Raphao traces its origins back to Buddhist legends from the time of the Buddha.
Tied to the seasonal blooming of flowers during Buddhist Lent (Khao Phansa), this tradition serves as a stage for a beautiful ceremony that deeply blends devotion with local culture.
It is ideal for participating to make merit and experience traditional Thai ways of life.
This tradition is simple yet profound.
Locals dress modestly and often bring their children to the ceremony to instill cultural awareness from a young age.
Those interested in participating are advised to follow announcements at least 12 weeks in advance.
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