Samicikamma (Paying Respect To The Senior Monks)

During the rains retreat (vassa) when monks in the Theravada tradition remain in their chosen monastery for a period of three rainy months without wandering, they would visit the most senior monk within their respective regions. Monks would do a day trip and travel to the monastery where the senior one resides in order to pay their respects. They would then return to their own monastery before dusk on the same day to avoid having to spend any time overnight outside their own designated monastery while in the vassa.

The purpose of such visits are twofolds; Firstly, it provide an opportunity for the monks to personally display homage and respect to the senior monk, and secondly, it provides an opportunity for them to ask advice on the various practical and theoretical aspects of the Buddha’s teaching from an experienced and wise elder.

So on Thursday July 20, 2006, more than twenty monks from all over Engliand including: Amaravati Monastery, Wat Sanghadana, Wat Buddhavihara, and Wat Buddharama, visited the Buddhapadipa Temple to pay respect to LuangPor Amara Thera. You will find some photos of today’s activity.

The monks first paid respect to LuangPor Amara Thera and after that, to LuangPor Sumedho. Both Luangpor Amara Thera and Luangpor Sumedho made a short speech.

After the formal respect to both LuangPors all the monks return to the house for refreshments and take part in discussions, in which the subject of a Theravada Sangha day in the UK was brought up by LuangPor Sumedho.

After the discussions, the monks left the Buddhapadipa temple with peace and knowledge.