MORALS loom high on Phuket in May. It may be that there are some people who seldom even think about morals, yet the holy day of Visakha Buja is when most good Buddhists consider the values in life.
This year on Phuket, with so many moral issues to be considered, the holy day has been extended from May 17 to a holy week that runs from May 15 to May 21. The week comes with the support of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation, which is attempting to emphasise the practical benefits that can be derived from doing the right thing.
A highlight will be the release of a million marine creatures into waters off Saphan Hin in Phuket City.
Monks from all over Phuket will take part, with perhaps the highlight coming on May 16 at 10am when perhaps hundreds of monks gather at Sala Prachacom, near the Governor's Mansion in Phuket City.
The appearance of Phuket's most remarkable monk, the venerable Luang Su Pa, heading towards his 115th birthday later this year, is anticipated with delight by many later that day.
The week has the support of all Phuket temples and the Big Buddha Foundation.
May 15 Religious displays open at Sala Prachacom from 9am
May 16 9am Governor Tri Augkaradacha opens the week, 84 birds freed in honor of HM The King; 10am Monks gather from all over Phuket; 11am Merit-making ceremony; 1pm Venerable Luang Su Pa arrives.
May 17 Marit-making gifts of rice to monks.
May 18 Prayer sessions all day; 4pm Monks prayers.
May 19-21 Religious readings, daily merit-making.
May 21 Release of a million creatures at Saphan Hin in Phuket City, with marine creatures being freed all day.
This year on Phuket, with so many moral issues to be considered, the holy day has been extended from May 17 to a holy week that runs from May 15 to May 21. The week comes with the support of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation, which is attempting to emphasise the practical benefits that can be derived from doing the right thing.
A highlight will be the release of a million marine creatures into waters off Saphan Hin in Phuket City.
Monks from all over Phuket will take part, with perhaps the highlight coming on May 16 at 10am when perhaps hundreds of monks gather at Sala Prachacom, near the Governor's Mansion in Phuket City.
The appearance of Phuket's most remarkable monk, the venerable Luang Su Pa, heading towards his 115th birthday later this year, is anticipated with delight by many later that day.
The week has the support of all Phuket temples and the Big Buddha Foundation.
May 15 Religious displays open at Sala Prachacom from 9am
May 16 9am Governor Tri Augkaradacha opens the week, 84 birds freed in honor of HM The King; 10am Monks gather from all over Phuket; 11am Merit-making ceremony; 1pm Venerable Luang Su Pa arrives.
May 17 Marit-making gifts of rice to monks.
May 18 Prayer sessions all day; 4pm Monks prayers.
May 19-21 Religious readings, daily merit-making.
May 21 Release of a million creatures at Saphan Hin in Phuket City, with marine creatures being freed all day.
I see you're careful to say "most good Buddhists". I'm not sure but I think it was Bertrand Russell who referred to moral values as: ''We have two kinds of morality side by side, one which we preach but do not practice, and another which we practice but do not preach.''
Sounds about right for Phuket.
Posted by Pete on May 8, 2011 11:19