Vessantara Day 2010

Vessantara Jataka is a great story about a man who dedicated his life to accumulating the ultimate perfections which was a very difficult thing for a normal man to do, because it included such actions as giving away his children and wife to the others. This giving away demonstrates making a sacrifice for the good of others. It stands as a good example even for our modern world, where selfishness is conquered almost everywhere now.

The Vessantara story has been known by Thai people since the Sukhothai period. It has been chanted from then right until now. It is an epic in Buddhism based on the previous life of the Lord Buddha. It is divided into thirteen chapters.

The Vessantara Story does not only show how to do meritorious activity, especially donation, but also shows how to live a mindful life and rule a kingdom democratically. It is worthwhile learning it. It is even better if we can understand the good points it makes and apply them in our daily life so that our life will be fulfilled with righteousness and be rich in happiness.