Buddhist Lent (Boun Khao Phansa) Begins

11 July, 2025

Buddhist Lent is a three-month-long annual retreat which starts on the full moon in the eleventh lunar month, this year on July 11, and ends on the full moon in October. It is celebrated in South-East Asia, including Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia. Its origin dates back to the fifth century. Monks take a vow to stay in a specific wat (temple or monastery) for the three months. This is the rainy season with monsoons, flooding, and mudslides, and the temple is where the monks take shelter from these storms. It is also a time for temporary ordinations. Young men take on the monk's life for a time, some for a few weeks, others months. There they learn spiritual teachings that lead to happiness and a better life for them and their parents.

According to an ancient legend, monks did not stop their wandering even during the rainy season which caused complaints about people trampling rice fields and damaging seedlings. As a result, Buddha forbade monks to wander during this time and instead made them stay in their temples. During this period, monks are meant to study the Buddhist doctrines and in turn, preach them to commoners. They are forbidden to leave the premises or spend the night at a different location. I don't know that all monks follow this rule, however. I believe I saw a few monks outside the temples during that time.

Every year a festival marks its beginning and both monks and local people follow ancient traditions. Early in the morning on the first day of Boun Khao Phansa, people offer donations and gifts of food for the monks - rice, bananas, and some necessities like soap and toothpaste. This practice is a gesture of gratitude and respect for the monks' dedication during the Lent period. While at the temple, they listen to Buddhist teachings, and receive blessings as a reward. Buddhist followers are also expected to refrain from drinking alcohol or taking drugs during this period.

In the evening, monks and their novices carry flowers and candles around the central temple three times. Also, on this day, there are other rituals, for example, the blessing of “holy water,” when monks pour water on the ground, and "drummer competitions." We did not know about all the rituals, so were only there in the morning for the delivery of the food for the monks. Something to look forward to next year!

Craig's pictures -

A couple bringing alms to their local temple

We were not certain where the temple was located, so followed the couple

There are many temples near us, this is one of them

This young woman is making sure her traditional outfit is perfect. They all look beautiful.

A monk taking a picture of a family member or friend with his offering in front of the big Buddha, and women praying

A place for meditation and quiet contemplation . . .

. . . as well as picture taking

The giving of alms - the rice bowls are one of the few belongings the monks have. This is where they collect their food and other offerings for the day.

Many help organize the offerings, while dressed in their finest traditional clothing

A young monk 

A Lao home between our apartment and the temple

Another home

Are these stuffed animals here to dry? Or did a child forget them after they were done playing?