Magha Puja Day: Buddhist Religion Works to Unite a Country
Figure 1: This map illustrates how conflict easily developed for the country of Laos based on the location of the country and the tyrannical countries which it borders. This map also shows the abundance of forest area as well as the Mekong River which is crucial for transportation.
Abstract
The people of Laos have an intriging culture. Based on a past shaped by unstable politics, religious components, and environmental concerns, the Lao culture offers a great outlet for learning a way of life contrasting greatly with the Western hempisphere. The element of Buddhism is what unifies Laoations of varying economic and political backgrounds. In the country of Laos, the Buddhist holiday Magha Puja Day is very significant. The day itself a means of social solidarity for Laoatians because they are all bonding together in a threatening atmosphere. Magha Puja Day brings together people of many different backgrounds over a common belief and interest much like the eclectic mix of people making up Laos can converge over their common faith of Buddhism. The social organization that rigidly structures the country of Laos begins to crumble as dividing lines between people with varying ability levels and physical traits is diminished.
Figure 2: This
image shows how the Laotian congregation celebrates Magha Puja Day
in the evening. Monks gather in this picture to hear the famous
speech delivered by the Buddha, "Ovadha Patimonka". www.dhammakaya.org Figure 3: This
picture shows the monks leading Lao gatherers in "Wien Tien"
(candlelit procession). This activity follows the "Ovadha Patimonka"
speech. www.dhammakaya.org
Introduction
The culture of Laos is based on a combination of influences of bordering countries and the history and hardship the country has endured. 60% of Lao people are Therevada Buddhists, and Buddhism therefore plays a large part in Lao culture and its survival. One of the major Buddhist holidays is known as "Magha Puja", which is a holy day in which Buddhists perform good deeds during the day. It is traditionally held during February on the day of a full moon. The festival of "Magha Puja" consists of chantings and offerings, grand parades and candle bearing, worshippers and religious music. The main focus of this project is to show how the roots of the Buddhist religion are deeply embedded within the Lao culture. This theory will be more comprehensible by exploring the history of Laos using a holisitc approach through political, economic, and social conflicts.
Context of Laos
From the 18th century until 19th century, Laos was dominated by Siamese (Thai). At this same time, Vietnam was attempting to establish power over Laos which caused conflict leading to war during the 1820's. The Thais then lost all control of the three kingdoms which they had reigned after the 17th century. During the 19th century, France established French Indochina in provinces of Vietnam. During World War 2, the Japanese were in control of Indochina, and Lao formed groups to keep it that way so that French rule would not return. Then, in 1953, Laos gained a long awaited independence. However, in 1964, the US started bombing North Vietnamese troops who were stationed in Eastern Laos along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. In 1973, a ceasefire was finally established though the bombing and warfare had already devasted the country of Laos and it's occupants. After World War 2, a temporary government was put into power though Royalist parties soon left for France. In 1975, the Lao! People's Democratic Republic was installed which ended six centuries of a monarchy. In 1997, Laos became part of the ASEAN. ( Halpern, Joel Martin : Government, Politics and Social Structure in Laos; A Study of Tradition and Innovation . Cellar Book Shop, Detroit 1964.)
Laos is located in Southeast Asia bordering Thailand, China, Vietnam, Burma, and Cambodia. 70% of the country is consumed by forests and growth while only 10% of the country is capable of being used for agricultural purposes. The Mekong River which runs through the entire country provides the main outlet for transportation as well as the border with Thailand. The monsoon cycle is a key element to the population of Cambodia, and it has two seasons. The rainy season runs from May to October while it remains dry from November until April. (Sisouphanthongs, Bounthony : Atlas of Laos: Spatial Structures of the Economic and Social Development of the Lao People's Democratic Republic . Copenhagen, NIAS 2000.)
Laos is home to over seventy tribes. One of the major tribes is Lao Loum whom reside in the Mekong River Valley which makes up 30% of the country. The Lao Loum are a farming culture and are self sufficient in terms of producing food. They construct their homes based on their occupation of farming in the rice paddies. The houses are built on high wooden posts based on the tendency of the rice paddies to flood. Members of the tribe practice monogamy though polygamy was practiced at one time. Once a couple is married, they move to the village of the wife's family. Though the tribes are now run by "village presidents" chosen by popular vote, before 1975, the Lao Loum were led by chiefs. Current "village presidents" have little influence on decisions as individual villages use town meetings for this job. (Sisouphanthongs, Bounthony: Atlas of Laos... ) ("Laos: Rural Life". Library of Congress Country Study Anthropology . 1964.)
Lao is the language which is written and spoken. Over time, it has become the common language spoken amongst all ethnic groups in Laos both Lao and non Lao. Many of the languages spoken in the countries bordering Lao are very similar. Based on this diffusion, much of the Lao culture is also closely related to that of Vietnamese, Thai and Khmer backgrounds. This is evident in everything from music and food, to dance and artwork. The people of Lao are known for their great skill in all elements of the arts. Because religion is such a large aspect of the population, much of the classical Lao artwork is based on religion. (Pholsena, Vatthana. "The Changing Historiographies of Laos: A Focus on the Early Period". Journal of Southeast Asia Studies 35 (2004).)Origins of Magha Puja Day
.
The celebration of Magha Puja Day is translated as the "Day of the Fourhold Assembly". The word "Magha" references the title of the third lunar month in India , and the word Puja means "worship". Though the exact timing of the initial gathering of the monks is uncertain, the act and time which is commemorated by this holiday is very important. The holiday represents the Buddha passing on his teachings to the 1250 monks which gathered before him and the four major events that occured that day. On the evening of this holiday, the Buddha preached the "Ovadha Patimokha" which addressed his three teaching principles as well the prediction of his own death. The principles included (1) not commiting sin, (2) doing only good, and (3) purifying one's mind. The holiday started being observed while Rama IV was King. Based on the signifance of this day in time, in 1851, the King declared that Magha Puja Day be performed in the " Emerald Buddha Temple ". The holiday later become universally performed throughout all parts of the kingdom. Magha Puja Day is increasing in popularity and this will only continue. The holiday will become more widespread based on the fact that the people of Laos need something such as Buddhism to unite them. This holiday not only represents bringing people together, but it is a Buddhist holiday. Therefore, the continuation of this holiday will ensure success amongst the country of Laos . ( www.dhammakaya.org . Dhammakaya.)
Performance
On the day of the full moon towards the end of February, the Buddhist holy day occurs. In the morning, people prepare and provide food for monks. Older Buddhists use the morning to meditate and concentrate on purifying their mind. Following morning sermons, the temple is prepared by people from all backrounds for the later activities. In the evening, monks gather to here the Buddha's famous speech, "Ovadha Patimonka". Following the prayer, the monks lead the gatherers in "Wien Tien", the candlelit procession. This is also known as the circumambulation which entails circling the shrine that has the image of the Buddha three times. This is a gesture of respect in Triple Gem. (Ismail, Mohamed Yusoff. Buddhism and Ethnicity: A Social Organization of a Buddhist Temple in Kelanton/Mohamed Yusoff Ismail . Singapre: ISEAS 1993.)Artifact
In the candlelit procession, "Wien Tien", the monks circle the shrine that projects upon it the image of the Buddha three times. This is supposed to represent the acknowledgementy of the "triple gem". The triple gem is an object which symbolizes paying homage to the Buddha.
Interpretation
Prognosis for Magha Puja Day]
The celebration of Magha Puja day has increased in popularity over the years. Initially, the only participants in the celebration were the monks and royalty. However, it was later established as a public holiday and the ceremony could be performed by anyone. Though the day does have great symbolism and significance among the Buddhist faith, this fact is not widespread and people participate in this holiday less than other Buddhist holidays. The more commonly celebrated holidays are Asanha Puja Days and Visakha Puja. ( Basic Buddhism Course. O.S. Printing House, 1991.)
Conclusion
The majority of the wide range of people who live in Laos are Buddhist. Throughout history, the country of Laos has endured detrimental political and economic conflicts. The battle for political parties and the type of government that is institutionalized for the country has caused widespread uncertainty and apprehension for civilians. However, despite all economic, political and social differences, many of the people of Laos are still able to survive based on the bond they share through Buddhism. Social structures deminish on this holiday and dividing lines between classes and personalities are erased. "Culture trumps appearance". ( Introducing Anthropology . McPherson's Printing Group, 2002) The Buddhist holiday Magha Puja strongly symbolizes the ability of the country to come together. On this holiday, people from all walks of life congregate to commemorate the Buddha and what the Buddhist religion stands for. By acknowledging the Buddha's fundamental teachings, the diverse group of people all think like one another by way of the most fundamental elements of life. These basic elements include (1) not commiting sin, (2) doing only good, and (3) purifying one's mind. The congregation of the diverse Lao population bonding over a similar belief on this holiday helps to bridge the gap between them.
Internet References Cited
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Chapman, Adam. Asia Pacific Journal of Anthropology 5 (2004).
Basic Buddhism Course . Bangkok : O.S. Printing House, 1991.
www.dhammakaya.org . Dhammakaya.
" Hanoi : Shedding the Ghosts of War." National Geographic May 2004: 80-98.
" Laos : Rural Life." Library of Congress Country Study Anthropology (1994).
Pholsena, Vatthana. "The Changing Historiographies of Laos : A Focus on the Early Period." Journal of Southeast Asian Studies 35 (2004).