Articles and Stories

March 6, 2023

In Northern India, on the full moon night of the third month, 587 BC, the bamboo forest of Veluvana witnessed a special event when Buddha, the enlightened one, met with his 1,250 dedicated disciples, each with their own intention to come and pay a visit to his master. The night turned into a big reunion and the Buddha recited the sermon that summarized his teachings. The miraculous event is regarded by believers as proof of the holiness of Buddha and the Sangha, or his disciples.

That is the story of Magha Puja (pronounced: MA-KHA-BU-CHA in Thai), the annual holiday which Buddhists commemorate the 2,500 years old event every full moon night of the third month. King Rama IV of Siam, introduced a formal celebration of Magha Puja day in his royal temple. A similar celebration was later popularized and spread throughout the Buddhist world.

On this day, Buddhists wake up early and offer alms to monks in the morning. The act of offering is to reduce one’s own Ego (“self”) and attachment to belongings by giving away one’s possessions. It is also the practice of “Metta” (mercy) and “Karuna” (compassion) toward all fellow beings, thus believed to bring happiness to one’s life. In the late morning, monks give prayers and sermon at the temple, in which all are welcomed to hear life lessons of the Buddha. In the late evening, Buddhists also go to the temple with candles, lotus, and incense in their hands, and solemnly walk around the temple clockwise three times while praying.

This is the revered act of worship to commemorate the grace of the three foundations of Buddhism: Buddha (The enlightened one), Dharma (Buddha’s teaching), and Sangha (Buddha’s disciple who practices Dharma).

Unlike most monotheistic religions, Buddhist temples open to believers and non-believers alike. The purpose of practicing Buddhism is also different in that it is not to be done to please the sacred being or for the material reward, but for the practitioners themselves to obtain mindfulness, and for the world’s peace which all human beings are part of.

Many thanks to Itipat Therdchitpaisarn for kindly sharing his knowledge of Magha Puja and allowing us to share it with you all.