Kondanna’ was the first person who listened to the Buddha’s sermon, he then realized the truths contained therein and became the first Buddhist monk. Therefore, the day is knownas “Sangha Day” as well as Asarnha Bucha Day.
The next day after Asarnha Bucha Day is ‘Lent Commencement Day’ or ‘Khao Phansa’ in Thai. lt’s the beginning of the rainy season. lt was the Lord Buddha’s idea to make this season holy. ‘Phansa’ means rain. During this season, it’s difficult for monks to travel, and originally monks were not allowed to settle in a particular place.
Secondly, this season is when farmers start their cultivation, and wandering monks could unintentionally damage newly-planted rice by stepping on it. Therefore, the Buddha thought it was better for monks to stay in a monastery for three months during rainy season.
On the next day, july 23, you could repeat the same steps as the first day. But offering candles or Thien Phansa’ and ‘Rain-Bathing Cloth’ is recommended, as Buddhists believe that candles represent a light which will brighten their future.
Rain-bathing cloth dates back to the time of Lord Buddha. This tradition was initiated by the Great Benefactress Visakha. At that time, she visited the temple in rain season and saw monks showering in the rain with no clothes on, which she thought was inappropriate. She then asked Lord Buddha to allow her to make an offering of rain-bathing cloths to the Buddhist monks, lt then became a tradition to offer rain-bathing cloths to the monks on Buddhist Lent Day.
That’s why most people visit temples to offer monks food, clothing, medicine, flowers, joss sticks, lantern candles and other things to sustain the monks for these three months. Monks are not allowed to stay outside at night.
Alternatively, you could do all your merit-making activities in one day – or choose only a few activities that you enjoy, because Buddhist ethical principles lead to peace and harmony. Do whatever you feel comfortable and peaceful with. As Buddha said, “With our thoughts we make the world”, so make peace with your mind, body and spirit with merit-making.