austraLasia - 5036(II)_Don Bosco Alumni accompany Buddhist students in their spiritual practices during vacation

By Bro. John Baptist Thanad, SDB
Principal of Saeng Thong School

Hua Hin, Thailand, 14 March 2019 -- While the Salesians of THA Province (Thailand - Cambodia - Laos) are gathered in Hua Hin for their annual retreat preached by Fr Pascual Chavez, Rector Major emeritus, and the Vocation 'Friendship' Camp involving 50 boys from various parts of Thailand, our Buddhist students at Hat Yai Saeng Thong School are undergoing their spiritual practice.

Just as they do every summer vacation, this year too, 66 students of our Saeng Thong school in Hat Yai, from March 9 to March 23, applied for the Buddhist spiritual practices leading to 'ordination' as Buddhist monks. During three weeks in the Wat Kor Suea (Temple in Hat Yai City) they purify their hearts in order to become good citizens in their families and society at large according to Buddhist teaching. The whole event is organised by Saengthong (Don Bosco) Alummi Association, that works very closely with the school administration and Educative Pastoral Community.

Buddhism in Thailand is largely of the Theravada school (Great Vehicle), which is followed by 95% of the population, permeating the whole culture and traditions, being introduced from India in 250 BCE. Also great majority of our Salesian Family school students are Budhists, as well our Don Bosco Past Pupils.

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5036(II)_Don Bosco Alumni accompany Buddhist students in their spiritual practices during vacation