Theravada Buddhists to observe Khao-wa

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITAGAR, July 30: Theravada Buddhists in Aruchal Pradesh would observe Khao-wa across the state on July 31 next with traditiol enthusiasm and solemn devotion.

Khao-wa popularly known as the Rainy Retreat (Varsha Vaas) marks the beginning of the three-month Buddhist ‘Lent’ period.

The festival would be celebrated in all mosteries, respective offices of the religious organizations and educatiol institutions through various programmes and chanting of the sacred verses from the Tripitaka at msai & Changlang district. Besides these two districts, the occasion would also be celebrated at places where Theravada Buddhists are found living.

Khao-wa is a time for serious contemplation and meditation for both monks and laymen alike.

The elderly and devoted laymen on this auspicious day would choose to remain at the temple to take a vow with the monks to keep either five or eight precepts throughout the entire day. After taking the vow, they would split their time between praying, listening to the monks’ preaching and doing meditation.

This practice, like many others, has been preserved to the letter down to the present day, and the period is considered by all Theravada Buddhists as exceptiolly sacred to perform merits.

In Itagar Theravada Buddhist temple, the occasion would be celebrated by layman with mass prayer, sangada, discussions, panchashila and pradip puja.