Dhammachai Day is held on 27 August each year to honour the ordination anniversary of Luang Phor Dhammajayo, the teacher who established Wat Phra Dhammakaya. The day combines gratitude and veneration with practical offerings for the wider community.
Who Luang Phor Dhammajayo was
Luang Phor Dhammajayo Dhammacetiya (1920–1969) was a highly respected Buddhist teacher in Thailand. He was known for a strict adherence to the vinaya, for his clarity in explaining Dhamma, and for refusing to make himself the subject of personal devotion.
He gave his last teachings at Wat Phra Dhammakaya shortly before his passing, and the temple has observed the anniversary of his ordination ever since. Because the date is fixed in the Gregorian calendar rather than the lunar one, Dhammachai Day always falls on 27 August.
Gratitude and veneration
The morning of Dhammachai Day is given to veneration. Participants gather to pay respects, listen to Dhamma talks, and reflect on the example set by a teacher who modelled the discipline he taught.
Accounts of his last days are commonly retold at the temple, particularly his instruction to continue the work after his passing and his reassurance that the teaching would outlast any individual teacher.
The Medical Fund offering
One of the central offerings of the day is to the Medical Fund. The offering supports medical care for people in the surrounding community who would otherwise struggle to afford treatment.
This is deliberate. Dhammachai Day at Wat Phra Dhammakaya is not only a commemoration; it is also an occasion for dana that has a direct and measurable effect on people’s lives in the area around the temple.
The first Kasina offering and a special retreat
Two further activities run on the day. The first Kasina offering is dedicated to a large network of temples around the country, extending the merit of the observance well beyond Pathum Thani.
A special retreat is held for those who wish to spend the day in silence and practice. Because places in the retreat hall are limited, participants are normally asked to register with the temple beforehand.
How to join — on site
Wat Phra Dhammakaya is at Khlong Sam, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120. Dhammachai Day falls in the last week of August, so visitors should expect a warm season and plan accordingly. Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and remove your shoes before entering the ordination hall and the Cetiya.
If you intend to join the special retreat, contact the temple in advance to reserve a place.
How to join online
Live coverage is shared through the temple’s Line OA “@dhammakaya” account and the official Facebook page, and is also broadcast by the DMC channel. Online participants commonly join in the Medical Fund offering, follow the Dhamma talks, and dedicate the merit to Luang Phor Dhammajayo.
Preparing for the day
Devotees commonly describe the atmosphere on Dhammachai Day as restrained rather than celebratory. The emphasis falls on gratitude and on carrying a teacher’s standards forward through everyday conduct, which is why the day is marked with silence, careful listening, and a resolve to practise rather than with elaborate ceremony.
- Register in advance if you plan to join the special retreat.
- Contribute to the Medical Fund if you are able.
- Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered.
- Bring water, as the day is held in the hot season.
Plan your merit-making all year
Dhammachai Day is one of many merit-making events at the temple. See the Dhammakaya Merit Calendar to plan your year of dana, sila, and bhavana.
References
พักใจเติมพลังบุญ 5 นาที ณ ศูนย์กลางกายฐานที่ 7
หลังอ่านบทความนี้ ลองหลับตาเบาๆ ผ่อนคลายร่างกายและจิตใจ ร่วมบันทึกสถิติสมาธิของคุณในระบบเพื่อสะสมพลังบารมีในทุกๆ วัน
🧘♂️ เริ่มต้นบันทึกสมาธิวันนี้ (ฟรี)ติดตามทาง LINE Official
รับข้อคิดธรรมะสั้น 2 นาที & เตือนวันพระ สะดวกบนมือถือ
