500 short-term monks complete ‘Dhammayatra’ journey in Lumbini

KATHMANDU: A total of 500 Shramaneras (short-term monks) have successfully completed the ‘Dhammayatra’ journey on Saturday.

The journey, which began at the Siddhartha Stadium in Bhairahawa, passed through Devkota Chowk, Bank Road, and Narayanpath, culminating at the Lumbini Gate.

Over a thousand locals gathered at Lumbini Gate to welcome the Shramaneras, showering them with flower petals in a warm reception. Along with the Dhammayatra, the Pravarjya (ordination) ceremony for the new monks was also held.

The short-term ordination program was supported by the Dhammakaya Foundation of Thailand, organized by the All Nepal Bhikkhu Sangha and the Thai Bhikkhu Sangha, in collaboration with the Lumbini Development Trust.

As part of the event, 500 individuals from various regions were ordained as Shramaneras.

After receiving the ordination, they are now considered Shravener (short-term monks).

According to Bhikkhu Sriwajira, a lecturer at Lumbini Buddhist University, the Dhammayatra and ordination process help instill a sense of compassion, friendliness, and mindfulness among the general public, further promoting Buddhist values.

Short-term monks are required to wear yellow robes and follow the tenets of Buddhism.

While lay followers adhere to the Five Precepts and the Eight Precepts, short-term monks must undergo a 20-day period of complete transformation, practicing Buddhist teachings.

In contrast, those aspiring to become full-fledged monks must follow 227 precepts.

The term ‘Dhammayatra’ is a combination of the words ‘Dhamm’ meaning righteous action and ‘Yatra’ meaning journey. Thus, ‘Dhammayatra’ refers to a journey towards good deeds and virtuous conduct.

These newly ordained monks adhere to the ten Buddhist precepts and are provided with yellow robes.

During this period, they focus on practicing the precepts, meditation, and studying Buddhist teachings.

Bhikkhu Sriwajira explained that the term ‘Pravarjya’ refers to the renunciation of worldly life, similar to the renunciation made by Lord Buddha before he attained enlightenment. This marked the beginning of his spiritual journey. “Pravarjya is symbolic of how Buddha began his path to knowledge after renouncing his kingdom and family,” he said.

The ordination ceremony plays a key role in providing religious and spiritual education to the new monks, instilling values of tolerance and equality within society, and motivating the youth.

The Dhammayatra, organized by the Dhammakaya Foundation, was facilitated by the Buddhist Society of Nepal. Since Lord Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment on the day of the full moon of the month of Falgun, the Dhammayatra has been traditionally held around this time every year.

According to Shankar Gaha, the central president of the Buddhist Society of Nepal, this event is held in Bhairahawa due to the historical significance of the place, as it is believed to be the location from where Buddha returned after attaining enlightenment to meet his father.

The ordination program had participants from regions such as Rupandehi, Palpa, Kapilvastu, Nawalparasi, Dang, as well as countries like Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.

Hariom Vishwakarma, the senior vice-president of the Buddhist Society of Nepal, shared that during the Dhammayatra, the Shramaneras visited several areas, including Butwal, Buddhamawli, and Devdah.

Since 2011, the number of people receiving ordination in Lumbini has gradually increased, with 1,000 in 2011, 1,112 in 2015, 1,119 in 2019, 500 in 2023, and 1,250 in 2024.

This year, 500 new Shramaneras received ordination as part of the ceremony.