VESSANTARA JAKATA SERMON
Maha Wetsandon Chadok (the Vessantara Jataka) is one of the most popular avadanas of Theravada Buddhism. The Vessantara Jataka tells the story of one of Buddha’s past lives, about a compassionate prince, Vessantara, who gives away everything he owns, including his children, thereby displaying the virtue of perfect charity. It is also known as the Great Birth Sermon.
The Vessantara Jataka is celebrated in temples during a Buddhist festival known as Thet Mahachat (เทศน์มหาชาติ), from Maha Jati or Great Birth, in Central Thailand, Boun Pha Vet in Laos and as Bun Phawet (Bun Phra Wes). It is also an important celebration as well in Cambodia and Myanmar.
The Thet Mahachat is very popular both in rural and urban communities, often with dance and drama performances, as well as festive parades and processions through the towns. During this Buddhist festival the monks give a sermon of all chapters of the Vessantara Jataka, accompanied by rituals and cultural performances.
Because of its central role on theThet Mahachat or Boun Pha Vet celebrations, the Vessantara Jataka is an important part of the traditional folklore in many areas of Southeast Asian. Some of the scenes, especially the mismatched couple formed by Jujaka, the old Brahmin, and his nagging young wife Amittada, are avidly followed by the people during the festival.
While it has lost its traditional importance in some areas, in others it has gained in popularity. Scenes of the Vessantara Jataka are engraved on Angkor Wat murals. They are also often found depicted on the walls of Buddhist temples throughout Southeast Asia. This story is also depicted in ancient patterns on matmi silk cloth.