Dharma Yatra pilgrimage bolsters Buddhism in Mekong nations

Chiang Rai province, Thailand: The Dharma Yatra, a pilgrimage of peace, which brings together 100-150 monks and Buddhists from Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar, on Monday set out from here on a journey through these countries.
The convoy is scheduled to end its journey in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, at the end of this month after taking part in activities that promote understanding of the Buddhist way of life in the five Mekong River basin countries.
The grand opening ceremony took place at the Wat Phra That Pha Ngao pagoda, a Buddhist landmark in Chiang Saen district, Chiang Rai province, which was once a famous regional centre of Buddhism.

A large group of monks and Buddhists from Laos who are taking part in this important Dharma journey attended the opening ceremony.
The monk body was headed by the Vice President of the Central Buddhist Fellowship Organisation of the Lao PDR, the Most Venerable Maha Bounma Simmaphom, while lay people were led by the Vice President of the Lao Front for National Development, Mr Chanthavong Saen-amathmonty.
The inauguration of the pilgrimage attracted a number of Buddhist leaders from the five Mekong region countries as well as senior government leaders. Prior to the official ceremony, there were parades and cultural performances that made reference to the traits of Buddhist people in Chiang Rai province and were related to local practices and beliefs. 
During the event, Secretary General of the Bodhigayavijjalaya 980 Institute, Mr Supachai Verapuchong, explained that the idea of the Dharma Yatra pilgrimage came from the former President of the Central Buddhist Fellowship Organisation of the Lao PDR, the Most Venerable Dr Phong Samaleuk, who was formerly an honorary advisor to the Bodhigayavijjalaya 980 Institute.
“The first pilgrimage was held in 2017 across the five countries. It brought together Buddhists from the Mekong River region to be identified as family members because we all have the same father - our Lord Buddha – while we regard the Mekong as our mother,” Mr Supachai said.
The event would not only promote the Buddhist connection but would strengthen relations between the peoples of the five nations through Buddhism despite the language differences, he added.
After the launch of the pilgrimage, the convoy travelled to Shan State in Myanmar for a mass almsgiving and other religious ceremonies over a two-day period. The group will then head to Dien Bien province in Vietnam, Luang Prabang province in Laos, Vientiane, and on to Thailand before ending the journey in Siem Reap province, Cambodia.
During the opening ceremony, the Vice President of the Lao Front for National Development, Mr Chanthavong Saen-amathmonty, expressed his support for the pilgrimage, which will pass through several northern provinces of Laos and Vientiane.
“I believe this pilgrimage will uphold Buddhist teachings and promote understanding of the people of the Mekong countries. It is also a golden opportunity for us to promote our cultural attractions because the grand opening ceremony is taking place in the area of the Golden Triangle in Laos, Myanmar and Thailand,” he said, adding that the various ceremonies taking place along the route in Laos would also be a plus. He called on Lao people from all walks of life to attend the mass almsgiving which will be held at the That Luang stupa, when about 300 monks are expected to be present.
This month’s Dharma Yatra pilgrimage is the second such event. The first took place in 2017, organised by the Bodhigayavijjalaya 980 Institute and the Verapuchong Foundation.

By Bounfaeng Phaymanivong
(Latest Update October 18, 2019)