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Above: This event, we have 7 participants who would be undergoing full ordination as monks for the duration of about 9 days.
Above: 2 ladies (dressed in white) who undergo temporary ordination as nuns.
PREPARATION OF DONATIONS TO BAN PHAEO HOSPITAL
4 Dec 2017- Everyone is helping to pack about 200 packs of items consisting of food and useful items to be donated to the staff and patients of Ban Phaeo hospital.
The finished items being packed and ready to be taken to the hospital later.
5 DEC 2017- HAIR SHAVING
5 Dec 2017- Participants making their aspiration before hair shaving event.
5 Dec 2017- Before hair shaving
First, there is a symbolic cutting of a small lock of hair by family members. If the family member is not present, then a representative would help to cut a small lock of hair.
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This is followed by applying shampoo to make it easier to shave the hair. Kubah helped to shave the hair of all the 7 participants.
In Thai tradition, the eyebrows are also shaved for those who wish to undergo ordination.
After hair shaving, turmeric (kunyit) powder mixed with water would be applied on the body of the participants. Applying turmeric is to remove the impurities from the body and also to signify a new life that the participants would soon undertake.
After which, the turmeric would be washed off the body symbolising the removal of impurities.
VISIT TO BAN PHAEO HOSPITAL
Later the day, the participants visited the Ban Phaeo hospital to pass donations and items to the hospital staff and patients.
Above: Distributing food and daily essential items to hospital staff.
Above, Distributing to hospital patients.
RELEASING SHAVEN HAIR AND LIVE FISHES INTO THE RIVER
After the visit to the hospital, everyone proceeded to a pier located near a temple to release shaven hair and fish into the river. Above: Chanting of transference of merits and making aspirations.
Note: When Prince Siddharta (The Buddha) decided to renounce the world, he cut off a lock of his hair and put in the river. Releasing the hair to the flowing waters of the river carries a symbolic meaning. Releasing live fishes also help in the liberation of life.
Note: A lay preceptor after releasing fish to the river.
REVISING ORDINATION SCRIPTING
In between, participants would be diligently practicing and familiarising themselves with the ordination scripting.
