Textbook-Buddhism PDF

Story of Buddhism Prince Siddhartha was born on the 15th day of the 6th waxing moon, which was 80 years before Buddhist Era started. H e t h e n re a c h e d t h e...

Story of Buddhism Prince Siddhartha was born on the 15th day of the 6th waxing moon, which was 80 years before Buddhist Era started. H e t h e n re a c h e d t h e enlightenment and became the Buddha on the 15th day of the 6 th waxing moon, which was 45 years before Buddhist Era started. After his enlightenment, he gave his teachings to the first five disciples: Kaundinya, Vashpa, Bhadrika, Mahanaman, and Ashvajit. Kaundinya became the first monk in Buddhism. He then went to teach the three Chadils (a hermit with matted hair) who were siblings together with their servants. After that he went to Rajgir City to teach King Bimbisara. 4 ·  Once, Upatissa and Kolita listened to the teachings of the Buddha, they had faith in him. They then asked the Buddha to take them into the monkhood. Their names were changed to Sariputra and Moggallana, respectively. They were also promoted to the chief followers of the Buddha. On the 15th day of the 3rd waxing moon, 1,250 monks got together without any appointment. The Buddha then gave them Ovada Patimokkha, which was the teaching that taught them to act well, to do not do bad things, and to have clear mind. This teaching was the heart of Buddhism. After 45 years of spreading Buddhism, before the Buddha reached Nirvana, he gave his last teachings called Paj Chim Ovada, “Dear all monks, I would like to remind you that your body and soul will normally weaken. So, you should finish your own and others’ duties carefully.” T h e B u d d h a re a c h e d Nirvana on the 15 th day of the 6th waxing moon. 5 Mer Teachings of Buddhism 3 Things to Study (Ti Sikkha) l Morality (Sila): Acting and speaking well l Concentration (Samadhi): Focusing well l Wisdom (Panya): Knowing well Buddha Guna 4 Greatest Practice (Brahma Vihara 4) l Kindness (Metta): Willing to see others happy l Mercy (Karuna): Willing to see others without suffer l Gladness (Muthita): Feeling happy with others’ success l Unbiasedness (Upekkha): Having no bias The Triple Gem T h e y a re t h e three precious things Dhamma in Buddhism, which 3 Key Points of Buddha’s Advice (Ovada 3) l Not doing bad thing are Buddha, Dhamma, l Acting well and Sangha. l Keeping a mind pure by training for Samadhi 4 Kinds of Belief (Saddha 4) l Believing that Karma exists l Believing that Karma has consequences l Believing that every being has its own Karma l Believing that intelligence and enlightenment Sangka of the Buddha are real (Monks) Rules of Karma l Right action: doing good things l Wrong action: doing bad things 16 ad  5 Basic Rules (Panca Sila) l Not killing l Not stealing l Not having wrong sexual act l Not telling a lie l Not drinking alcohol Not Doing Bad Things 3 Kinds of Misbehavior (Thucharit 3) l Misbehaving by action means doing bad things. l Misbehaving by speech means saying bad things. l Misbehaving by thought means having awful thought. 5 Ways of Acting Well (Panca Dhamma) l Having mercy l Doing legal job l Having proper sexual act l Telling the truth l Being cautious 3 Kinds of Good Behavior (Sucharit 3) l Behaving well by action means acting well. Acting Well l Behaving well by speech means saying good things. l Behaving well by thought means having good thought. 38 Highest Blessings (Mangala Sutta 38) l Having respect means showing respect and being gentle and sincere to others to their face and behind their back. l Having humbleness means knowing ourselves well, being humble, and not being boastful. l Having virtue means always doing good things, maintaining Sila, and Keeping a keeping a pure mind. Pure Mind Being Grateful to the Nation (Katannuta) means being grateful to the country we live in, being proud of our national, religious, and monarchy institutions, and showing our gratitude to the nation by being a good person. 17 ·  Concept Each religion is important and considered a cultural heritage, so it plays an important role in developing a society. Studying the story of each religion and the life of each religion’s founder will help us understand and live with other people peacefully because the teachings of all religions aim to teach the followers to be good citizens. In Buddhism, there are also the examples of good Buddhists, which can be studied from the stories of the disciples, the Jataka, the tales, the Buddhist role models, etc. Moreover, good religious followers should know how to organize and perform a ceremony in one’s own religion correctly. This includes how to develop oneself by training the mind for wisdom, which helps bring about happiness. Vocabulary Consequence (n.)............................................................... Crucify (v.)............................................................... Heritage (n.)............................................................... Provocative (adj.)............................................................... Self-mortification (n.)...............................................................  2. Stories of Religions in Thailand Buddhism Life of the Buddha The Buddha was born on the 15 th day of the 6th waxing moon. When he was 16 years old, he got married to Princess Yasodhara (Pimpa). He entered the monkhood when he was 29 years old. Then, he studied at the house of 2 hermits: Alara and Udaka. After learning everything from them, he turned to practice self-mortification. He became enlightened when he was 35 years old on the 15th day of the 6th waxing moon. King Suddhodana felt sad that, his son, Prince Siddhartha entered the monkhood. After he knew that the prince enlightened and became the Buddha, the king sent his servants to ask his son to return home for 9 times, but every time his servants decided to become a monk like the prince. For the 10th time, the king then decided to send Kaludayi to bring Prince Siddhartha back because he was the prince’s friend, and it was successful this time. After the Buddha arrived in Kapilavastu city, he walked around and collected food from people. Once the king heard about it, he tried to stop the prince in no time since he felt so ashamed of his son doing so. The Buddha explained and preached to his father, and the king eventually understood Dhamma. 4 ·  One day, Princess Yasodhara came with their son, Rahula, to ask Prince Siddhartha for the throne. The Buddha found that properties did not last in value, so he ordained his son as a novice. It was very painful for King Suddhodana because he had no heir left, so he asked the Buddha to ordain people only when their parents allowed them. Later on, the Buddha made it as one of the qualities of being a monk. When King Suddhodana got older and sick, the Buddha went back and preached to the king until he became an arhat and died. When the Buddha was 80 years old, he died at Sala Grove in Kusinara, Malla. This day was on the 15th day of the 6th waxing moon. ·5  Throughout his years of spreading Buddhism, the Buddha had done things that were beneficial to all beings as follows: He contributed to the world (Lokattha Cariya). He had done good things for all beings and always followed his 5 following tasks: 5. 1. Early morning: He Morning: He went would think of those receiving food who could possibly offerings to spread understand the kindness to people by Dhamma and then preaching or talking go visit them in the about Dhamma. He contributed to his morning. relatives (Yatattha Cariya). For example, he visited 4. Midnight: He The Buddha’s 2. his father and relatives in answered the 5 Tasks Late afternoon: He taught Kapilavastu city to teach questions from Dhamma to those them Dhamma. angels, kings, and who came to see senior government him at his place. He contributed as the officers. Buddha (Buddhattha 3. Cariya). Evening: He preached For example, he set the rules to the monks. for Buddhist monks. 6 ·  Although the Buddha had passed away for over 2,500 years ago, the Buddha’s teachings were passed on and recorded in a s c r i p t u re c a l l e d Tripitaka. There are 3 sections as follows: Vinaya Pitaka Sutta Pitaka Abhidhamma Pitaka These are the rules These are all of It includes Dhamma set by the Buddha about the teachings that the and explanations in a the behavior, living, Buddha had taught theoretical way. It does manner, and work of to different people in not relate to people or Buddhist monks and different situations. They situations. nuns. It focuses on are in the form of literary keeping Sila carefully. works, tales, and stories. The Jataka is included in this part too. Importance of Tripitaka 1. It is considered the founder for Buddhists. 2. It is the main roots of Buddhism. 3. It is the precious heritage of Buddhism. 4. It is the oldest literature in Buddhism. 5. It is the knowledgeable source of Buddhism. 6. It is the source of art, culture, and custom. 7 · Important Teachings of Buddhism The Triple Gem (3 precious things in Buddhism) Buddha Dhamma Sangha Ariya Sacca 4 Saddha 4 Bhavana 4 Ti Sikkha Ovada 3 Rules of Karma Not doing bad things Doing good things Keeping a pure mind Panca Sila Panca Dhamma Apaya Mukkha 4 Punya Kiriya Vatthu 4 Agati 4 Iddi Pada 4 Katannuta Mangala Sutta 38 From the diagram above, here are the details: Bhavana 4 (Things to develop) Ariya Sacca 4 (Noble truths) Gaya-bhavana: Do useful things Dukkha: Physical and mental pain Sila-bhavana: Train oneself using Sila Samudaya: Cause of suffering Citta-bhavana: Train one’s mind to be Nirodha: End of suffering stable Magga: Steps to end the suffering Panya-bhavana: Train for wisdom to Saddha 4 (Kinds of belief) know and understand things Believe that Karma exists Ti Sikkha (Things to study) Believe that Karma has consequences Sila: Act and speak well Believe that intelligence and Samadhi: Focus your mind well with full enlightenment of the Buddha are real concentration Believe that every being has one’s own Panya: Know and understand things Karma reasonably · 18 Ovada 3 (3 Key Points of Buddha’s Advice) Iddi Pada 4 (Paths to successful work) 1st Ovada: Not doing bad things Chanda: Be satisfied with the work Panca Sila (Things we should avoid doing) Viriya: Be hard-working Do not kill any beings Citta: Pay attention to the work Do not steal Vimamsa: Check the work using Do not misbehave sexually wisdom Do not tell a lie Katannuta (Being grateful to Buddhism) Do not drink alcohol or take drugs Study Dhamma teachings to understand Apaya Mukkha 4 (Causes of ruin) them correctly Be provocative Apply the teachings and perform the Be a heavy drinker rituals correctly Be a gambler Explain the teachings to others to Be friends with bad people understand 2nd Ovada: Doing good things Protect and maintain Buddhism Panca Dhamma (Things we should do) Mangala Sutta 38 (Dhamma that brings Be kind about happiness) Have a rightful job Learn eagerly and pay attention to the Behave well sexually study (7th Mangala) Speak politely and truthfully Complete all the works by the dateline Have consciousness at all times (14th Mangala) Punya Kiriya Vatthu 3 (Basics of making Be patient in every situation (27 th merit) Mangala) th Danamaya: By sharing 3 Ovada: Keeping a pure mind Silamaya: By acting well physically and Keeping a pure mind can be done by verbally meditating 10-15 minutes before class or Bhavanamaya: By training the mind to bedtime. Our minds will be strong and calm. be calm Rules of Karma A-gati 4 (Causes of unfairness) Karma is an action; good actions lead Chanda-gati: Unfairness caused by love to good consequences. Dosa-gati: Unfairness caused by hatred Consequence of Karma: It can happen Moha-gati: Unfairness caused by right away or later. stupidity Bhaya-gati: Unfairness caused by fear These teachings can be used as guidelines for developing people and their country physically, for example, Bhavana 4 and Ariya Sacca 4; and mentally, for example, Ovada 3. If every one of us always applies the teachings to our lives, we will be able to live happily together. 19 ·  1. Important Religious Ceremonies in Buddhism A religious ceremony refers to a ritual to worship something. There are steps that we have to strictly follow in these ceremonies, for example, merit making, robes offering to monks, and Buddhist ordination. All of the rituals are worth maintaining, and we have to practice them correctly and continuously. Important religious ceremonies in Buddhism are divided into 3 main types, including ceremonies related to monks, people’s daily life, and important religious days in Buddhism. Examples of Important Religious Ceremonies in Buddhism Important Religious Monks People’s Daily Life Days in Buddhism Monk ordination Pleasant ceremonies: Magha Puja Day Novice ordination Wedding ceremony, Visakha Puja Day Robes offering to monks House blessing Asalha Puja Day ceremony, Buddhist Lent Day Birthday anniversary, etc. Unpleasant ceremonies: Funeral, Cremation, etc. 35 ·  Concept Buddhism is a religion that has long been worshiped by Thai people. Consequently, the lives of Thai people are related to Buddhism in almost all aspects of life. Moreover, some Thais believe in other religions, such as Christianity, Islam, Brahman-Hinduism, and Sikhism. Though there are many religions in Thailand, the Thai people can live happily together because the teachings of every religion encourage people to do good things. So, learning the religious teachings and good actions of people can help us understand and apply them to our daily lives. Vocabulary Declaration (n.) =................................................................ Paternalism (n.) =................................................................ Relic (n.) =................................................................ Temptation (n.) =................................................................ Testimony (n.) =................................................................ Transmigration (n.) =................................................................ 1. Story of the Founder of Each Religion Life of the Buddha The Buddha’s Decision on Nirvana After 45 years of teaching the Dhamma, the Buddha fell very ill. When Buddhist Lent Day ended, he went to Pavala Chedi in Vesali on the 15th day of the 3rd waxing moon and announced that he would reach his Nirvana in the next 3 months. The Last Disciple After the Buddha decided that he would reach his Nirvana, he went to Sala Grove in Kusinara and lied down in the area between 2 Sala trees. A hermit named Subhadda asked the Buddha a question. After listening to the answer, he believed in the Buddha. As a result, he entered the monkhood and finally became an arhat. So, Subhadda was the last disciple to become an arhat before the Buddha reached his Nirvana. 3 upA Reaching His Nirvana When he was about to reach his Nirvana, he gave his last teaching to the monks. “Dear all monks, now I have to remind you all that it is normal for bodies to get weaker. You should do things carefully for your own and other people’s benefit.” Then, he reached his Nirvana on the 15th day of the 6th waxing moon in the year before the Buddhist Era. He was 80 years old. The Cremation The body of the Buddha was kept for 7 days after he reached his Nirvana. When Maha Kassapa arrived there, he paid respect at the feet of the Buddha and then cremated the Buddha’s body on the 8th day of the 6th waning moon. The Buddhists call that day “Atthami Puja Day”. The Buddha’s Relic After the cremation of the Buddha’s body, his relics were given out to be placed in many cities by the Brahmin named Dona. 4 · The Holy Places of Buddhism The holy places of Buddhism are places for Buddhists to recall the Buddha. There are 4 of them as follows: NEPAL A INDI 5 · 1. Place of Birth Actual location : Lumbini Park Current location : Rummindei in Peshawar, Nepal Important characteristic : There is a pillar built by the order of King Asoka the Great, with the message describing N E was born here. that the Buddha PAL 2. Place of Enlightenment Actual location : Uruvela Senanigama Current location : Bodh Gaya in Bihar, India Important characteristic : There is the square-shaped Bodh Gaya Chedi built in 104 by the order of Huvishka, a faithful Buddhist. It was built to let future generations know this was the place where the Buddha enlightened. INDIA 3. Place of the First Teaching Actual location : Isipatana Mrigadava Current location : Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh, India Important characteristic : There is the Dhamekh Stupa. It was built by the order of King Asoka the Great as a memorial place where the Buddha gave his first teaching. 4. Place of His Nirvana Actual location : Sala Grove in Kusinara Current location : Kasia in Uttar Pradesh, India Important characteristic : There is the Parinirvana Temple in front of the Parinirvana Stupa, with the Nirvana Buddha image placed inside. Its size is likely the same as the actual size of the Buddha. & 6 2. Importance of Buddhism Thai people and Buddhism have been very close for a long time. Most Thai people believe in Buddhism and use the teachings as the guidelines for living lives. Therefore, Buddhism is important to Thai people and Thailand as follows: Buddhism is the cultural root and heritage Buddhism is the identity of the nation, of Thailand, which can be seen from the which can be seen in any Buddhist architecture, custom, culture, etc. ceremonies or activities performed and joined by the followers, etc. Buddhism is used as the principles for Buddhism is the center of spiritual developing the nation because it aims the support. followers to do good things. Therefore, this makes people live together in peace and helps the country develop further. 11 gey  Buddha Kicca 5 Important Buddhist 1. Morning: Take offerings 2. Evening: Preach to followers Teachings 3. Late evening: Give advice to monks 4. Midnight: Answer Dhamma questions to angels 5. Before dawn: Choose who to visit the next morning Buddha Saddha 4 Guna refers to the beliefs based on causes and effects: 1. Believing that Karma exists 2. Believing that Karma has consequences 3. Believing that every being has its own Karma 4. Believing that the Buddha’s intelligence and enlightenment are real Ariya Sacca 4 means the 4 noble truths: 1. Dukkha means a state that is hard to take and makes one suffer. 2. Samudaya means a cause of suffering. 3. Nirodha means a solution to the suffering. 4. Magga means steps to ending the suffering. The Triple Gem Dhamma Ovada 3 means 3 key points of Buddha’s advice: 1. Not doing bad things 2. Doing Good Things 3. Keeping the pure mind Ti Sikkha means 3 things we should study: 1. Morality (Sila) means acting and speaking well. 2. Concentration (Samadhi) means keeping the mind calm until concentration brings about wisdom. 3. Wisdom (Panya) means intelligence or knowing cause and effect and correct guidelines for any action. Sangha (Monks) Rules of Karma Karma is an intended action. Type of Karma Bad Karma Good Karma Kaya Karma (Physical action) Killing any beings Not killing any beings Vaci Karma (Verbal action) Telling a lie Not telling a lie Mano Karma (Mental action) Being greedy Not being greedy 20 #  Panca Sila It is the 5 basic rules that aim to prevent us from doing bad things: 1st Sila: Do not kill, harm, abuse, or confine living things. 2nd Sila: Do not steal or take advantage of other people’s properties. 3 rd Sila: Do not misbehave sexually or abuse the opposite gender. 4th Sila: Do not tell a lie or intentionally mislead others. 5 th Sila: Do not drink alcohol or take drugs which are the cause of carelessness. Not Doing Apaya Mukha 6 In order to keep our goodness, we shall avoid the following 6 temptations: Bad Things 1. Drinking alcohol 3. Overly enjoying entertainment 5. Making friends with bad people 2. Having a night out 4. Gambling 6. Being lazy Akusala Mula 3 There are 3 causes of badness: 1. Lobha means being greedy or having a wrongful desire for other people’s properties. 2. Dosa means being angry and having bad intention towards other people. 3. Moha means misunderstanding, stupidity, and foolishness. Panca Dhamma These are 5 ways to act well for a truly happy life: 1st Dhamma: Metta and Karuna means wishing others for happiness and to live without suffering. 2nd Dhamma: Samma Ajiva means having a rightful job that is not against Panca Sila. 3rd Dhamma: Having self-control sexually by being satisfied with one’s own lover and never be in sexual relations with others. 4th Dhamma: Sacca means speaking only the truth, useful, and polite words. 5th Dhamma: Sati Sampajanna means always having consciousness and acting right. Kusala Mula 3 There are 3 causes of goodness. 1. Alobha means not being greedy over other people’s properties. Doing Good 2. Adosa means not being angry or trying to harm others, but knowing how to forgive. Things 3. Amoha means not being unclear, but thinking reasonably. Bala 4 The teachings that give 4 kinds of power for living a life confidently are as follows: 1. Panya Bala or power of wisdom 3. Anavajja Bala or power of faultlessness 2. Viriya Bala or power of hard-working 4. Sangaha Bala or power of kindness Garava 6 These are 6 kinds of respect that we should follow properly: 1. Respect the Buddha means respecting the Buddha’s kindness; that is, his wisdom, generosity, and purity. 2. Respect the Dhamma means respecting the Buddha’s teachings. 3. Respect the Sangha means respecting the goodness of monks. 4. Respect education means knowing the importance of education. 5. Respect carefulness means knowing one’s own consciousness. 6. Respect hospitality means knowing the importance of welcoming. Mangala Sutta 38 They are the 38 highest blessings, which bring happiness and progress to life. For example: 1. Being disciplined means following the rules and regulations for peacefulness. Keeping the 2. Having a rightful job means working legally and morally, and not taking advantage of yourself and others. 3. Being aware of the Dhamma teachings means not doing bad things. Pure Mind Apart from not doing bad things, the Buddhists should do good things and keep the mind pure in order to be an intelligent and well-behaved citizen. Moreover, if we have a pure mind, we will have good mental health, with morality and happiness. 21 · 5. Important Religious Ceremonies Buddhism There are several religious ceremonies in Buddhism as follows: 1. Asking for Sila, Dhamma Teachings, and Protective Prayers This is to ask monks to give us Panca Sila, Dhamma teachings, and protective prayers by praying. Asking for Panca Sila is the traditional ritual that needs to be done before beginning a ceremony. Asking for Panca Sila Mayam Bhante, Visum Visum Asking for Dhamma Teachings Rakkhanatthaya, Ti-saranena Saha, Panca Brahma Ca Lokadhipati Sahampati Silani Yacama Kat-anjali Andhivaram Ayacatha Santidha Dutiyampi Mayam Bhante, Visum Visum Sattapparajakkha-jatika Desetu Dhammam Rakkhanatthaya, Ti-saranena Saha, Panca Anukampimam Pajam Silani Yacama Tatiyampi Mayam Bhante, Visum Visum Rakkhanatthaya, Ti-saranena Saha, Panca Silani Yacama Asking for Protective Prayers Vipatti Patibahaya Sabba Sampatti Siddhiya Sabba Dukkha Vinasaya Parittam Brutha Mangalam Vipatti Patibahaya Sabba Sampatti Siddhiya Sabba Bhaya Vinasaya Parittam Brutha Mangalam Vipatti Patibahaya Sabba Sampatti Siddhiya Sabba Roga Vinasaya Parittam Brutha Mangalam 50 · 2. Ordination Ordination is one of the disciplines given by the Buddha. There are 2 types of ordination: Novice Ordination To be ordinated as a novice, one must be at least 7 years old and meet the qualifications. After becoming a novice, he must strictly follow the rules and the 10 Sila. Monk Ordination To be ordinated as a monk, one must be at least 20 years old and meet the qualifications. After becoming a monk, he must strictly follow the rules and the 227 Sila. Did you know? 10 Sila are the following: 1. Not killing animals 2. Not stealing 3. Not having wrong sexual act 4. Not telling a lie 5. Not drinking alcohol 6. Not eating food at night 7. Not watching any kind of entertainment 8. Not wearing perfume 9. Not sleeping on a big and high mattress 10. Not accepting valuable things 51 ·  3. Forest Robe Offering Ceremony A forest robe was a dirty cloth left in a forest, graveyard, or pile of garbage. Monks would keep several pieces of cloth and sew them together as a bigger piece. Then, they would wash the cloth, dye it reddish orange, and make it into a robe called Pangsukula-civara. Offering forest robes is to give support to monks, maintain religious places, and bring about the unity of people living together. The ceremony can vary depending on each part of the country, such as the Samakki forest robe and End of Kathina forest robe. It has no fixed period of time for this ceremony, so it can be held anytime we prefer. Steps to Offering Forest Robe 1 3 2 Let the leader 4 Keep a pile of p ra y t o a c c e p t forest robes in Invite one or the Triple Gem, more monks. The monk gives an appropriate worship the Triple Sila. place. Gem, and ask for Panca Sila. 5 8 7 Accept the Sila. 6 Let the guest of honor The monk pulls Let the leader pour the water and back the forest robe pray first to offer accept the blessing. The and prays. the forest robe. ceremony is then over. Offering Forest Robes Imani Mayam Bhante, Pangsukula-civarani, Saparivarani, Bhikku-sanghassa, Onojayama, Sadhu No Bhante, Bhikkhu-sangho, Imani, Pangsukula-civarani, Saparivarani, Patigganhatu, Amhakam, Digha-rattam, Hitaya, Sukhaya Translation Sir, may we offer our Pangsukula-civara, together with other offerings to you. May you receive all of them for our eternal blessing and happiness. 52 ·p  4. Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony Kathina is a wooden frame or embroidery hoop used for stretching robes when being sewed. Back in the time of the Buddha, monks had to make robes themselves. So, the Buddha held this ceremony to make the period of making robes longer, which is the 1st day of the 11th to the middle of the 12th waning moon. There are 2 types of Kathina: Culla Kathina Maha Kathina This Kathina rope offering ceremony This Kathina rope offering ceremony has is a one-day ceremony. plenty of offerings and takes time to prepare. Its purpose is to raise funds for improving the temple. ·53  Steps to Offering Kathina Robe 1 Make a reservation for the Kathina rope offering ceremony by informing the temple and also the public about the event. 2 Prepare Kathina robes and other offerings, such as Civara, alms bowls, pillows, mosquito nets, and mats. 3 Get everything done one day before the day of the ceremony. Make a set of the Kathina robes and invite the public to join the ceremony. 4 Keep the Kathina robes and other offerings inside Ubosot or a preaching hall. Then, follow the following steps to offer the Kathina robes: The host or guest of honor lights candles and joss sticks to worship the Triple Gem. The leader asks for Panca Sila and then accepts it with the participants. The leader prays to worship the Buddha 3 times and then offers the Kathina robes. The leader offers the Kathina robes to the second monk. The head monk informs the doner of each set of Kathina robes and a monk who will receive each of them. The head monk prays, and the leader pours the water to wish all beings for happiness. Then, the ceremony is over. Worshiping the Buddha Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma Sambuddhassa (Repeat it 3 times.) Offering Kathina Robes Imam Mayam Bhante, Saparivaram, Kathina-civara-dussam, Sanghassa, Onojayma, Sadhu No Bhante, Sangho. Imam Saparivaram, Kathinadussam, Patigganhatu, Patiggahetva Ca, Imina Dussena, Kathinam, Attharatu, Amhakam, Digharattam, Hitaya, Sukhaya. Translation Sir, may we offer our Kathina robes, together with other offerings to you. May you receive all of them and make use of the Kathina robes for our eternal blessing and happiness. Ticivara (the 3 robes for monk) consists of Civara (outer robe), Sabong (under robe), and Sanghati (additional robe). Civara is used for covering; Sabong is used for wearing; and Sanghati is used for covering the other 2 robes (especially in winter). 54 a  5. Presenting ourselves as a Buddhamamaka is to show that we believe in Buddhism and accept the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha as our spiritual support. The objectives of presenting ourselves as a Buddhamamaka are as follows: 1. To strengthen the Buddhist assembly. 2. To keep the mind faithful to the teachings. 3. To be a role model for children to become good Buddhists. Preparation A tray of flowers, we have to set joss sticks, and candles the altar table together To present ourselves as a are needed to be presented with the Buddha image, Buddhist, we have to do it in to the head monk. we have to flowers, joss sticks, candles, front of a monk or in a meeting inform him of the schedule so and Buddhist certificates for of monks. that he can manage other the participants after the monks to join the ceremony. ceremony. al 55  Steps to Becoming a Buddhamamaka 1 Invite the monks to the ceremony. 2 A representative lights candles and joss sticks on the altar table, while other participants keep their minds calm and appreciate the value of the Triple Gem. After that, everybody prays to worship the Triple Gem and then pays respect with the Benchangkhapradit posture. 3 The representative presents the offerings, including flowers, joss sticks, and pairs of candles, together with the name list of participants to the monks. 4 Everybody prays to worship the Buddha 3 times and then asks to become a Buddhamamaka together. 5 Listen to the teachings from the head monk. 6 The representative prays to ask for Panca Sila. 7 The monks pray to give Panca Sila to the participants, and they repeat each part after the monks, one by one. 8 The monks state the benefit of Panca Sila. Asking to Become a Buddhamamaka * Ate Mayam Bhante Sucirapariniputtampi, Tam Bhagavantam Saranam Gacchamma, Dhammanca Sanghanca ** Buddhamamakati No Sangho Tharetu Translation Sir, may I ask to take the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha for respecting. Please remember me as a Buddhist. (For females, change *Ate to Ata, and **Buddhamamagati to Buddhamamigati.) 9 All participants receive Buddhist certificates from the head monk and give the offerings to the monks. The monks accept the offerings with gratitude. Then, the participants pour the water and accept the blessings from the monks. The participants pay respect with the Benchangkhapradit posture to end the ceremony. ·s 56  6. Rules of Organizing Unpleasant Ceremony Making merit in an unpleasant ceremony is to bring prosperity and blessing. The rules are as follows: Rules of Organizing Unpleasant Ceremony 1. An unpleasant ceremony like a funeral is held in the same area as a pleasant ceremony. The difference is that the dead body must be placed in the center and not close to the Buddha image. 2. An unpleasant ceremony does not require sacred thread tied in a circle or a bowl of holy water. Instead, we normally tie a piece of cloth or holy thread from the place of the dead body or his/her ashes to the monks, before offering the Pangsukula robe to the monks. 3. Requesting in an unpleasant ceremony comprises asking for Panca Sila, accepting Panca Sila, and asking for Dhamma teachings, without asking for protective prayers. The Pangsukula robes will be offered at the end of the ceremony. When the monks finish praying or finish their meal, we will lay down the cloth or unfold the sacred thread in front of the monks. After the monks finish the ritual, all participants press the palms together. The monks will pull the Pangsukula robes, and we will fold the cloth or the sacred thread. The ceremony is then over. 57 pr  ·7. Religious Days in Buddhism Magha Puja Day Visakha Puja Day Atthami Puja Day Asalha Puja Day th On the 15 day of On the 15th day of On the 8th day of On the 15th day of the 3rd waxing moon, the 6th waxing moon, the 6th waning moon, the 8th waxing moon, the Buddha gave the the Buddha was born, the Buddha’s body the Buddha gave his teaching called Ovada enlightened, and was cremated. first teaching. Patimokkha. reached Nirvana. Buddhist Lent Day and Dhammasavana Day or End of Buddhist Lent Day Buddhist Holy Day It begins from the 1st day of the 8th waning moon On the 8th and 15th days of every month, to the 15th day of the 11th waxing moon. During all monks are called for a meeting and this period, monks will stay at the temple. listening to Dhamma teachings. - What we should do on the Buddhist important days are as follows: Follow Sila. Make merit and offer food to monks. Listen to and discuss Dhamma. Do good things for the public. Offer food to monks at Devo Ceremony. (It is held on End of Buddhist Lent Day.) Meditate. Pray to appreciate the goodness of the Triple Gem. Walk with lighted candles in hands around Ubosot (on Magha Puja Day, Visakha Puja Day, and Asalha Puja Day). Mold candles and offer bathing cloth to monks (particularly on End of Buddhist Lent Day). 58 add  Reducing greed Creating a harmonious community Benefits of Joining Religious Ceremonies on Living a peaceful life Important Religious Days Being a role model for other Buddhists Helping in maintaining Buddhism and keeping it prosperous and stable 59 &go  You can easily take part in democratic activities, such as by giving an opinion, selecting a class leader, and voting for the student committee. So, it means everyone can participate in democratic activities. Yes, you’re right. When you grow up, you’ll also have the right to participate in the legislative process. How can I participate in such an activity? You can participate by electing Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators (Sens.) as our representatives in the legislative process. Therefore, when there is an election, all eligible Thai voters must go to vote every time in order to choose good people as representatives in the legislative process. We can also get involved in making laws and regulations by, for example, suggesting ideas about the election regulations to local administrators to pass on to the Election Commission. 77