On Friday, over 200,000 Buddhists gathered over Zoom to celebrate Makha Bucha Day.
One of the holist days to Buddhists, Makha Bucha Day marks the full moon day of the third lunar month. This year, that date was February 26.
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When the Buddha was alive thousands of years ago, 1,250 of his followers came to see him in India without a scheduled meeting; they all came on what is now known as Makha Bucha Day. These followers were said to be “enlightened ones,” and Buddha ordained them himself. He then taught three core principles of Buddhism: Don’t do evil; do good; and cleanse your mind.
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Buddhists also celebrate the creation of an ideal community on Makha Bucha Day.
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Usually, thousands flock to the Dhammakaya Temple outside Bangkok, Thailand for the celebrations, according to Reuters. The ceremony was unsurprisingly different in 2021, with large gatherings canceled amid the pandemic.
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Authorities allowed the candle ceremony, however, with precautions. A select 1,000 Buddhists were at the temple in-person, and a 280-meter long LED screen was installed outside the temple for remote devotees to pray.
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The resulting photos are a striking reminder of how we can come together even amid crisis.