Buddhism and Visakha Puja Day in Thailand
Buddhism has long influenced the lives of Thai people. Since the time of King Asoka the Great, many forms of Buddhism, i.e., King Asoka’s Theravada, Mahayana, Pukam Theravada, and Lankavamsa Theravada, have developed within the Thai kingdom and been embraced by Thais over many historical periods, the Phanom, Dvaravati, Srivijaya, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, and finally the present Ratanakosin period. Buddhism has left indelible marks on Thai literature, architecture (as evidenced by the many fine temples in Thailand), and sculpture (as can be seen in the styles of Buddha images from many periods of Thai history). All year long many religious traditions are observed, for example, Magha Puja Day, Asalha Pujja Day, Kathina, the ordination of monks and novices, and the offering of food to the monks. Buddhism is the national religion of Thailand, where presently the overwhelming majority of the citizens, about ninety-five percent, are Buddhist. There are 32,710 Buddhist monasteries and 352,651 monks and novices in the country. The King of Thailand is a Buddhist, and His Majesty studies, practices, supports, protects, and propagates Buddhism.
All the Thai Kings from the Sukhothai period to the present have attached great importance to the commemoration of the Day of Vesak. As a matter of royal duty, they have also encouraged their people to observe this sacred day of merit making when This all over the country give alms, pay a special attention to the Precepts of Right Conduct, practice meditation, and perform the triple circumambulation at the monasteries.