Meak Bochea Day is the second important holy day for Buddhism countries, after the Visak Bochea Day. It’s celebrated on the full moon day of the third Lunar month (normally in late Feb). Meak Bochea Day is celebrated to commemorate the last sermon of the Buddha, as well as to remind about his teachings. On this day more than 2550 years ago, 1250 Buddha’s disciples visited Buddha without any prior appointment, to listen to Buddha’s sermon, the last biggest sermon ever had, which was held in Valuvan Vihara, Rajagaha city. The main content of Buddha’s preaching that day was summarized as:
Buddha is preaching to his disciples
Avoid doing evil.
Do only the good.
Purify the mind.
It’s also that day that Buddha announced his passing day, which would happen in three months later. And it’s Visak Bochea Day.
Just like Visak Bochea Day, Meak Bochea was celebrated by government officials in Oudong mountain, where the stupa of Buddha’s relic located in Cambodia. Hundred of monk were invited to the ritual. Hundred of Buddhist in Cambodia participated with incense stick, candle and lotus in their hands while praying. This is a good chance that people can perform food-offering to hundred of monk, and they would gain many merits if they really do it with purify mind.
Meak Bochea is set as public holiday in Cambodia.
