Asalhapuja, the full moon day of July/August, when we commemorate the first teaching the Buddha gave in the deerpark of Sarnath close to Benares, has in Ubon Rachathani, Northeast Thailand been thoroughly blessed with heavy rain this year. Indeed, the day after Asalhapuja Theravada monks all over the world enter their traditional rains retreat (“vassa” in Pali, or “pansah” in Thai, which means “rains”). Thus many faithful lay supporters wish to make offerings of food and requisites to the sangha at this time. Wat Pah Nanachat is unfortunately still closed for the public, due to the ongoing spread of the Corona virus, and so this morning many inspiring acts of generosity and devotion had to take place outside the monastery gate under umbrellas, well equipped with face masks - keeping the interactions with the sangha brief, but more than ever touching - deep down in the hearts of all expressing their faith on such a grey day.
The sangha of Wat Pah Nanachat truly wishes everyone good practice and a peaceful and healthy time during this upcoming rainy season of 2564 (2021).