Buddhist New Year: Cleanse Your Soul

Open Yourself to New Possibilities

Theravada is one of the oldest forms of Buddhism, and the word “Theravada” means “the Ancient Teaching.” It originated in India, and is now found mainly in Sri Lanka and most of southeast Asia (Cambodia, Laos, Mayanmar and Thailand). It is also found in parts of China, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. It is estimated that there are about 100 million Theravada Buddhists around the world.

The New Year celebration, called Songkran in Thailand, is celebrated for three days from the first full moon day in April. Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death are celebrated during this festival, but not as you might think.

It’s the end of the dry season. The rains will be coming soon to provide much needed nourishment to the earth as well as clearing the dirt and grime. So it’s no surprise that people this as a time to cleanse and purify yourself!

People build sand mounds on the beaches and in front of monasteries. Each grain of sand represents a wrongdoing, something you regret, something you’re holding onto that you need to release or something that went against your karma. With lots and lots of water, the sand mounds are swept clean away! You can let go of the past and move on with your life. Pouring water over Buddha statues is also another way to honor Buddha, the monks, elders and the dead.

In a way, this is a tangible demonstration to show you how getting rid of something you don’t need (reminders of things you regretted doing or unhealthy relationships you can’t get over), can make room or space for something new to grow and be nourished by the rain.

Is it time to let something go? Are you ready to be nourish yourself and allow new things to come into your life?