On 21 March 2021, Asst. Prof. Dr. Prarattanamunee, the Monk Dean of Chiang Rai province, led a group of clergy to collaborate with Chiang Rai Federation of Buddhism, led by Mr. Preecha Phuanukulnont, in the hosting of Chiang Rai Buddhism Declaration Ceremony, with the aim to champion Buddhism in Chiang Rai province.
Taking place at the 750-year Phutthamonthon Somphot 750 Years in Bua Sali sub-district, Mae Lao district, Chiang Rai province, the ceremony was altogether attended by over 7,000 Buddhists from Chiang Rai Buddhism Association, Chiang Rai Council of Culture, along with Chiang Rai Federation of Buddhism, and other Buddhist entities from all districts and sub-districts across the province.
Presiding at the ceremony was Sr. Gr. Capt. Kampee Kampeerayanon, Churchwarden of DDTV, Chairman of Thai People’s Council for Nation, Religion, King and CEO of Sufficiency Economy City Co., Ltd. (SEC), along with other guests of honour: Air Chief Marshal Theesil Kampeerayannon, founder of SEC; Mr Saksorn Kampeerayannon, Vice Chairman and Operation Manager of SEC; Ms. Tharichaya Kampeerayannon, Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of SEC; and Mrs. Charoensuk Duanglomchan, Senior Advisor of SEC.
Included in the activities for participants were Buddhist self-declaration, Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta praying, fundraising through Offering of Robe tradition as well as other activities showcasing the Lanna culture. During the day an academic discussion was held on the topic of Globalisation and Buddhism in Thailand, led by Pramaha Vuttichai Wachiramatee, Sr. Gp. Capt. Kampee Kampeerayannon, and Prof. Dr. Dusadeewat Kaewin.
Upon his recollection of the wish of King Mengrai the Great and all kings of Lanna who imprinted Buddhism in the land of Lanna on 26 January 1262, Prarattanamunee expressed his gratitude to the people of Chiang Rai and all the relevant sectors as the main forces behind the event’s success.
Some 759 years later, Buddhism remains deeply rooted in Lanna traditions, conspiring to bring peace and happiness to all.
Special thanks were conveyed to the collaborators who contributed to the acquisition of Puttamonthon land and gave over one million baht in funding, namely, Buddhist Commission and Buddhist Councils, led by Dr. Petcharawat Wattanapongsirikul and Dr. Napoldech Maneelangka, along with the team led by Ajarn Preecha Phuanukulnont, as well as the patronage of Dhipaya Insurance Pcl. and Toyota Chiangrai Co., Ltd., among others.
Mr. Preecha Phuanukulnont said that the purpose of the event was to strengthen Buddhism, the national religion of Thailand which has given birth to special customs, traditions, culture and ways of life of the Thai and Lanna. Other reasons included the fact that the locals’ way of life has recently been undermined by certain influences from both inside and outside of the province.
Thus, the activities planned for this occasion underscored the roles and duties under the realm of Buddhism for individuals, communities, organisations, as well as other networks, such as Chiang Rai Buddhist Association, Chiang Rai Council of Culture, Chiang Rai Buddhist Confederation, along with other social and religious organisations with the mission to support and protect Buddhism through the founding of Chiang Rai Federation of Buddhism.
To further encourage the Buddhists in Chiang Rai to better adhere to the teachings of The Buddha, the religion’s core values of “Alms, Precepts, Prayers”, and the traditional ways of life of the Lanna that are worth preserving, the planned activities were aimed at helping the participants reflect on unity, royalty, delicateness, cleanliness, and modesty, especially towards seniors. Featured as well was His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great’s philosophy of Sufficiency Economy which has helped generate happiness overall.
A donation of one million baht was given at the event by the aforementioned team led by Sr. Gp. Capt. Kampee Kampeerayannon.
Sr. Gp. Capt. Kampee Kampeerayannon expressed his gratitude at seeing the people of Chiang Rai coming together to support the event with faith, love, and unity inherent in their merit-making. He further expressed the hope to see similar events being held across the kingdom. He further reflected that the Buddhist Declaration Ceremony partially aims to bring back meaningful notions in life that come from believing and following Buddhist practices, even if they at times seem oblivious to us.
He signed off with a final observation that Buddhism greatly prospered in the land of Lanna, especially under the reign of King Tilokaraj of the Mangrai Dynasty, who initiated the sorting out of the 8th Buddhist transcripts in 1477. Finally, he encouraged participants to preserve religious traditions which, he said, are indeed the heritage of the whole country.
