A mass ordination of young novice monks (Samanen) was recently performed at Wat Nakaram in Tambon Wichit, Amphoe Mueang Phuket. Organized by PPAO together with Phuket Cultural Office, the event was opened by PPAO Deputy Chief Executive – Chawalit Na Nakorn, with Director of Education Religion and Culture Division of PPAO – Ouiporn Sakultan, Tawichart Intararit of Phuket Cultural Office, Deputy Mayor of Wichit – Somyot Wijakanawut, in attendance. Parents of the young people being ordained and guests also participated in the proceedings.
The mass ordination program for 78 novices is organized as a merit-making gesture to HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on the occasion of her birthday on April 2. It also encourages young people during their summer school break to spend time studying basic Dharma, which is fundamental to Buddhist way of life. The organizers also hope that the time spent in the temple will keep the youths away from drugs.
In his opening speech, Mr Chawalit congratulated all present in their concerted effort at merit making. Ordination into monkhood, he said, is a long-held Buddhist tradition, one that will bring blessings to those ordained and also to their parents. The act also supports Buddhism and instills a sense of morality in the community.
He ended by saying that even if the time that the young novices stay in monkhood is not long, it is a big step in their mental and spiritual development. He wished the event and those participated all the success and blessings.