Summer retreat - cultural beauty of Khmer people in the South

Every year, on Pinh Boramey (full moon) and Khe-Asath (according to the Khmer Buddhist calendar), Khmer Theravada Buddhist pagodas in the South in general and Can Tho City in particular solemnly organize the Banh Chol Pres Vassa ceremony (An Cu Kiet Ha ceremony or also known as Nhap Ha ceremony). This is a ceremony that not only has profound spiritual value but also represents a cultural beauty imbued with the identity of the Khmer people.

The ritual of parading a large candle around the main hall.

At Serey Techo Mahatup Pagoda (Bat Pagoda), Phu Loi Ward ( Can Tho City), the rainy season ceremony was held solemnly and warmly. Hundreds of Buddhists in beautiful costumes gathered early, bringing candles, vegetarian food and offerings to the monks. In the quiet space of the Sala (lecture hall), the deep chanting of sutras resounded, along with the shimmering light from the candles, creating a sacred and respectful atmosphere.

Mr. Son Phuong, a Buddhist in Phu Loi ward, shared: "The summer retreat is not only an occasion to offer offerings, but also a way for my family to preserve national culture and teach children the virtues of goodness, respect for Buddha, and respect for teachers."

The ceremony of entering the rainy season usually lasts for two main days. On the first day, Khmer Buddhist families offer large candles symbolizing the light of wisdom, along with four items such as oil, incense, robes, medicine, books, rice, etc. After the ceremony of bringing the offerings to the pagoda, monks hold a ceremony to pray for peace and chant sutras to bless the Buddhists.

On the second day, on the full moon day of Khe-Asath, Buddhists from near and far come to the temple to receive the precepts, offer food and the four requisites to the monks. Next, they parade three times around the main hall, offering candles and offerings to the monks. This is a sacred moment, showing the support of the Triple Gem and the Buddhists' respect for the Sangha.

Venerable Lam Tu Linh, Deputy Abbot of Serey Techo Mahatup Pagoda, said: “The rainy season is a time for monks to focus on keeping precepts, studying sutras, meditating, and at the same time maintaining compassion for all living beings during the rainy season, when life thrives.”

Also during this rainy season festival, many Khmer youths have decided to become monks. This year, according to Venerable Dinh Hoang Su, abbot of Serey Prochum Wongs Peam Buôl Thmay Pagoda, Phu Loi Ward, the pagoda has accepted two more young volunteers to become monks, and currently there are more than 20 young people studying at the pagoda.

During the rainy season, Khmer Theravada Buddhist temples often beat drums or trumpets twice a day. In the morning (starting from 4:30 to 5:00) and in the afternoon (from 4:30 to 5:00) to signal the time of the ceremony and remind Buddhists to be proactive in their activities, work, production, and family life.

The Rains Retreat is not only an occasion for monks to study and practice, but also a space to connect the community. The festival has profound humanistic meaning, preserving Buddhist traditions, while spreading moral values ​​and optimism to the life of the Khmer community today.

Article and photos: THACH PIC

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/le-nhap-ha-net-dep-van-hoa-cua-dong-bao-khmer-nam-bo-a188416.html