Thadingyut Full Moon Day: Buddhist devotees performed the meritorious deeds

On this Full Moon Day of Thadingyut (Abhidhamma Day), pagodas, stupas, and religious monuments across Myanmar are bustling with monks and lay devotees who have come to worship and perform meritorious deeds.

In the pagodas, stupas, and monuments within Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar Buddhists are observing the precepts, performing meritorious deeds of charity and morality, reciting Abhidhamma teachings, chanting the Patthana discourses and Paritta suttas, and lighting oil lamps in offering of the Buddha, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with people engaging in these virtuous acts.

Starting from the morning, pagodas within the Nay Pyi Taw Council area, such as the Letlottaung Pagoda, the Shwenanthwin Pagoda, the Dhatu Saya Dhatpoungsu Pagoda in Zabu Thiri Township, the Yan Aung Myin Pagoda in Dekkhina Thiri Township, the Phaung Taw Chat Ma Pagoda in Lewe Township, the Thatta Thataha Mahabodhi Pagoda in Uttara Thiri Township, and the four significant Buddhist sites related to the Buddha's "Birth, Enlightenment, First Sermon, and Parinibbana," along with other pagodas, stupas, and monasteries, were crowded with pilgrims from various regions. It was observed that people were performing meritorious deeds by observing the precepts, practicing meditation, and offering Satuditha (charitable food and drinks).

At the Full Moon Day of Thadingyut in the year 1387 (Myanmar Era), which is Abhidhamma Day. Accordingly, ceremonies are being held at the Shwedagon Pagoda and other revered pagodas and stupas in Yangon, filling the air with the serene and peaceful sounds of Abhidhamma teachings. The areas are particularly crowded with devotees from various regions who have come to worship and perform meritorious deeds.

At the prominent and renowned pagodas and stupas in Yangon, such as the Botahtaung Kyaik Dae Att Hsan Taw Oo Pagoda and the Thiri Mingala Kaba Aye Pagoda, trustee boards are leading ceremonies. In the morning at dawn, offerings of food, flowers, water, oil lamps, and fruits were made to the pagodas and Buddha images.

Members of the trustee boards and religious associations collectively recited Abhidhamma teachings and shared the merits.

In the evening, trustee board members and devotees lit and offered oil lamps. In accordance with this, the renowned and prominent pagodas across Mandalay, as well as stupas and Dhamma halls in various townships and wards, are bustling with devotees offering flowers, water, and oil lamps to the Buddha, performing meritorious deeds.

In the evening, oil lamps are lit to offer to the Buddha, and lighting festivals are held, making the entire city vibrant. Following the local tradition of performing meritorious deeds on the Full Moon Day of Thadingyut, the people of Mandalay begin their day at dawn by paying homage to the Maha Myat Muni Pagoda, offering flowers, water, oil lamps, and golden robes.

They also engage in acts of merit at other prominent pagodas within the city, such as the Shwe Kyi Myin Buddha Image, the Kyauktawgyi Pagoda at the foot of Mandalay Hill, the Kuthodaw Pagoda, and the Sandar Muni Pagoda, as well as at the Aung Daw Mu Pagoda and the Jade Pagoda. Additionally, they practice meditation in the peaceful ambiance of these pagodas and stupas.

Furthermore, in line with Buddhist customs, devotees perform various meritorious acts such as offering alms rice, reciting the Dhammacakka Sutta, chanting Paritta Suttas and Patthana discourses, and paying respects to parents, grandparents, teachers, and elders. They pray for the health, well-being, and peace of all humans, devas, Brahmas, and living beings, sending forth metta (loving-kindness).