Vessantara Day

The Vessantara Jataka (in Thai, “Mahachat” – The Great Birth) was a festival held on Sunday 13th September, to commemoration the life story of Lord Buddha in his birth as Prince Vessantara, who had perfected himself with the highest and noblest virtue in a human life, that is:

“The ability to give and to forgive in all circumstances”

The supreme sacrifices made by Prince Vessantara was told in a story, which were divided into 13 parts.

13 monks (From Buddapadipa, Dhammapadipa and Buddhavihara) took part in chanting verses, recited in a song-like manner, first in sacred Pali and followed by a translation in Thai . Some monks even ended their sermons with a beautiful performance consisting of a melody composed specifically for the part. This started from 09:00 and went on until 18:00hrs.

A full comprehensive English translation of the Vessantara story was chanted by Phrakru Samulom Pabhassaro, within the upper floor of the temple (for non Thai speakers).

A “Kan” (A mini replica tableaus representing each of the 13 stories, the same manner as the nativity scene at Christmas) was displayed within the main basement of the temple. They were sponsored and decorated

by different groups of people and various establishments within the Thai and the Buddhist community. Each barring a name giving hint to the specific episode being recounted in the story and was accompanied with a “Money Tree” for devotees and visitors to make donations.
Note: It is a Thai traditional belief that each “Kan” has a different moral to the story, and each one comes with a unique blessing. It is believed that if one were to worship a particular Kan, then the blessing that comes with it; is yours to cherish.

At the end of the day, all 13 “Kan” was entered into a competition and judged on its beauty and relevance to the Vassantara story. Cash prizes were given out to the winner and two runner ups by the Abbot. However, through their great generosity, all winning prizes where donated back to the temple.

Through out the day, plenty of food and refreshments and other Thai arts and crafts were on sale in the temple car park. Money was raised for the temple. Not only was it a successful day of Buddhist celebration, but it had proved to be a great family day out too.