The birth anniversary of Luang Pu Wat Paknam is observed on 10 October each year at Wat Phra Dhammakaya. The day combines veneration of one of Thailand’s most influential modern Buddhist teachers with large-scale merit-making that reaches temples across the country.
Who Luang Pu Wat Paknam was
Luang Pu Wat Paknam Charanasuwaro (1880–1962) was born in Bangkok and became one of the most respected Buddhist teachers of the twentieth century. His teaching was rooted in a long historical investigation into the original Dhammakaya meditation system, which he believed had survived in a remote centre in Burma.
He travelled repeatedly, studied inscriptions and travel records, and eventually returned to Thailand convinced that he had recovered the method. The system he developed became known as Vijja Dhammakaya, and it remains in practice today.
Why 10 October is observed
The anniversary falls on a fixed date in the Gregorian calendar rather than on a lunar festival day, so 10 October is the same date every year. This makes the celebration one of the easiest to plan for visitors who are not following the Thai lunar calendar.
The temple has a particular connection to the teacher. Wat Phra Dhammakaya stands as the most visible expression of the Dhammakaya tradition that Luang Pu spent his life recovering.
The third Kasina offering
One of the principal activities is the third Kasina offering, which is dedicated to a large network of temples around the country. The offering extends the merit of the anniversary well beyond the visitors present at the temple.
Kasina appears several times across the year’s observances at Wat Phra Dhammakaya, with each stage dedicated on a different festival day. Devotees who attend more than one of them often describe the sequence as a way of following the tradition of practice across a full year.
Tree planting and the lantern ceremony
Tree planting is carried out as part of the day’s observances, adding to the standing forest that surrounds the temple. Trees planted on the anniversary are often dedicated in memory of a family member, a friend, or a teacher.
In the evening, roughly 20,000 lanterns are lit around the Maha Dhammakaya Cetiya. As with the Magha Bucha lamp ceremony, the light builds gradually around the building, and the finished result is one of the most photographed scenes of the temple’s year.
How to join — on site
Wat Phra Dhammakaya is at Khlong Sam, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120. Arrive early to claim a place near the Cetiya if you want a clear view of the lanterns being lit. Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and remove your shoes before entering the ordination hall and the Cetiya.
If you wish to plant a tree or take part in the Kasina offering, contact the temple beforehand so that the necessary arrangements can be prepared.
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 light a lantern or candle at home, follow the Dhamma talks, and dedicate the merit to Luang Pu Wat Paknam.
Preparing for the day
- Contact the temple ahead if you wish to plant a tree or join the Kasina offering.
- Arrive before dusk if you want to watch the lanterns being lit.
- Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered.
- Bring water and a small cloth, and be ready to remove your shoes.
Plan your merit-making all year
The birth anniversary 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
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