Our Traditions
Practice we share with Cambodian families
Vesak season: each year PBS honours the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and passing into Nibbāna by cultivating generosity, morality and discipline.
Gift giving
Students offer gifts and messages of gratitude to parents, teachers and noble friends.
Footwashing ceremony
Students humbly wash the feet of parents, teachers and elders, an act of gratitude and letting go of ego.
Renounce Challenge
Students voluntarily give up a comfort or habit for the month to build self-control and clarity.
The year of observances at Dhamma Training Ground
| Observance | What it is | Cambodian parallel |
|---|---|---|
| Uposatha | Fortnightly observance day: precepts renewed, longer meditation | Thngai Sel (holy days) |
| Vesak | The Buddha's birth, enlightenment and passing | Visak Bochea |
| Asalha Puja | The first teaching; start of the rains season | Asarh Bochea |
| Vassa | Three-month rains retreat of the monastics | Chol Vassa |
| Kathina | Robe-cloth offering by the whole community, October or November | Bon Kathen |