Tomorrow begins the Buddhist Lent. Buddhist Lent occurs during the rainy season. Monks use this three month period of time to retreat to the Wats (temples) and give more time to meditate on and teach the principles of Buddhism. The monks are to remain in the temple areas and not participate in receiving alms as is customary during the rest of the year. Monks typically make rounds in the early morning hours and receive food from locals who wish to make merit. During lent, people often give yellow pails of daily goods and treats to the monks to use during lent as a means of merit making. Young men will also often enter a 3 month monkhood to make merit for their family members. To neglect this "right of passage" would be looked upon unfavorably. At the end of lent, the monks will come out of seclusion and begin their rounds once more.
No comments:
Post a Comment