To commemorate the 149th anniversary of the birth of the venerable late monk Phra Ajarn Mun Bhuridatta Mahathera, or Luang Pu Mun, which falls on Jan 20, nine Buddhist temples in Bangkok, the North and the Northeast will host a range of activities, including merit-making and dhamma practice, from Jan 17-21.
The nine participating temples are Wat Pathum Wanaram in Bangkok, Wat Liab in Ubon Ratchathani, Wat Pa Sutthawat and Wat Pa Nong Phue Na Nai in Sakon Nakhon, Wat Pa Salawan in Nakhon Ratchasima, Wat Pa Ban Lao in Chiang Rai and Wat Pa Phra Acharn Mun, Wat Pa Darabhirom and Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai.
Phra Ajarn Mun Bhuridatta was a revered monk in the Phra Dhutanga (forest monk) tradition. He was admired for reviving, revitalising and eventually popularising Dhutanga Kammatthana (forest monk meditative tradition) in Thailand through his way of life and the examples he set for his disciples.
Luang Ta Maha Bua Yannasampanno pays respect to a statue of Phra Ajarn Mun Bhuridatta Mahathera. PR
He was born Khamduang Kaenkaew on Jan 20, 1870, at Ban Khambong Village, Khong Chiam district of Ubon Ratchathani, and entered the monkhood at the age of 23 at Wat Liab. Throughout his 57 years as a monk, he strictly adhered to the principles of morality (sila), concentration (samadhi) and wisdom (panya). He strictly followed the dhutanga meditative method, known in traditional Buddhism as the kammatthana, or wandering-forest tradition. He adhered to the 13 rules of dhutanga (ascetic) practices, such as living in the forest, eating only one meal a day and wandering in search of secluded and peaceful places in the forest to practise long and undisturbed meditation. He passed away in 1949 aged 80 at Wat Pa Sutthawat, Sakon Nakhon.
Wat Pathum Wanaram in Bangkok will host various activities from Jan 17-20. On the first day, a religious ceremony will begin at 3pm, followed by the opening of an exhibition and dhamma practice. On Jan 18, dhamma practice will begin at Sala Phra Ratchasattha at 5pm. On Jan 19, Phra Ajarn Mun's relics will be brought from the ordination hall to Sala Phra Ratchasattha at 4pm, followed by dhamma practice. On Jan 20, there will be almsgiving and a religious ceremony in the morning as well as sermons by revered monks and dhamma practice all day. Contact Wat Pathum Wanaram at 02-251-6469 or via www.facebook.com/bualoyteamwork.
On Jan 19, at Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai, a religious ceremony involving 149 monks will take place beginning at 4pm, involving meditation practice and two sermons. On Jan 20, Buddhists will give alms to the 149 monks and novices starting at 7am. Those wishing to sponsor the merit-making may contact the temple at 080-031-6900.
In Chiang Rai, Buddhists will give alms and present breakfast to monks and novices at Wat Pa Ban Lao starting from 7am and attend a religious ceremony at 6pm, on Jan 20. Contact the temple at 084-955-5061.
At Wat Liab in Ubon Ratchathani on Jan 20, Buddhists will give alms to 149 monks and novices starting from 7am, pray together starting from 9am and again at 5pm. A religious ceremony will be performed after 5pm, followed by a sermon.
At Wat Pa Sutthawat in Sakon Nakhon, there will be almsgiving, religious ceremonies, two dhamma practice courses, mass prayer and a sermon on Jan 19. On Jan 20, a religious ceremony will begin at 7.30am and almsgiving at 8.30am, followed by mass prayer and a sermon starting at 7pm. On Jan 21, almsgiving will be done at 7am, followed by a religious ceremony. Contact the temple at 088-581-8729.
