October 12th marked the end of the three month rains retreat, and last Sunday we celebrated Ok Punsa or the end of Buddhist Lent Day at our local temple Wat Greensboro.
The tradition of Buddhist Lent or the annual three-month Rains Retreat known in Laos and Thailand as Punsa, which dated back to the early Buddhism in ancient India. This is the time where monks spent three months of the annual rainy season in permanent dwellings. This is to avoid unnecessary traveling during the period when crops were still new for fear they might accidentally step on young plants. It was believed that in the ancient time, the Lord Buddha left earth for 3 months to visit his mother up in heaven. He wanted to show his gratitude by chanting for her during this Lent period, and the day of Ork Punsa was the day that he returned to earth. All the people came to greet him, as we carried the tradition to this day by gathering at our local temple to celebrate his returned.
The morning Alms giving is called Tuk Badt Tayvo. It is an old Thai tradition of Alms giving where the Buddhist worshipers would lineup and the monks come by to collect Alms.
The line was led by a Buddha statue, then followed by monks.
The big money tree or Tun Phapa was organized by Mae Tou Gaisorn.
Food offering to the monks.
The money trees were presented to Wat (temple).
In memory of our passed loved ones, we would pour water called Goud Nom Pra Maid Ta to mother earth so she can tell our passed love ones to come and receive their Boun (merit), and in this case it was for our mom.
Like many religions, our Wat (temple) is built by the people and the name of the donors are everywhere.
The Wat persimmons were harvested and sold for $5 per bag, I bought 2 bags.
It was a beautiful Autumn day and we had a good turnout.
Ginger
I walked around looking for the persimmon on the tree, but I couldn’t find any. They did a good job in harvesting.
Then my sister spotted a few on the tree near the temple.
It looks so good from up there.
Nye Noona 
Very nice fall color at the temple.
Thanks Dallas, I think the next 2 weeks will be peak Autumn colors for us. It will be interesting to see what the leaves look like at Wat this weekend.
I bet when the persimmon leaves turn orange it would make picking them very difficult. So they got a head start. 😉
$5 a bag is a good idea to bring funds into the temple. And the persimmon sales lady looks very cheerful about helping out.
Cambree, I think there are some more towards the back but I didn’t check. I’ve almost finished the 2 bags, hope to get some more this weekend. The persimmons were picked early but I think it tasted better than the ripe ones. I think people love to have their picture taken. 🙂
I also like mine crisp. We have yet to taste these – maybe in a few more weeks.
I saw some at the American grocery store for $1.25 each. But the Asian market will have them in $1 bags with at least 10 fruits. So a much better deal!
Cambree, $1 bag with 10 fruits is a good deal. They were selling it for $5 per bag and it might be about 10 fruits of some big and small per bag. My dad and I tried to grow them and the trees would die after 2 years, we just give up on it.
Love the fall colors… I need to head up to Yosemite National Park to take some fall pictures.
Thanks seeharhed, I wish I could head up the mountains myself, the blue ridge parkway is beautiful during this time of the year.
Never been to a corn maze before! I may have to take my baby to one this fall!
lady0fdarkness, I think your little will like it. They normally open until October 31st around here.