[ad_1]
MAE SAI, Thailand – Three weeks after emerging from a flooded cave complex, safely guided by expert divers as their families and supporters around the world waited for their safety, Thais known as Wild Boars name began a ceremony. Tuesday to become novice Buddhist monks.
The boys and their trainer, dressed in white, were walking in line in the northern city of Mae Sai, head down and hands clasped together. Hundreds of fans stood behind them with their phones, occasionally trying to take a quick photo when the team pbaded.
"That's enough!" Said Prayut Jetiyanukan, the chief monk of the temple. Phra That Doi Wao. Trying to keep a dark and respectful mood at the beginning of the boys' ordination process, he added, "Fans, please come back! They have not really slept in days and have need to rest. "
Hundreds of people have come from all over Thailand to have one of the first public glimpses of the Wild Boars, the small town youth football team whose members have survived Two weeks in a flooded cave, attracting the attention of the entire world Only a week after leaving the hospital, all but one boy started the ritual to serve as novice monks, or nen. "Their coach, Ekkapol Chantawong, will become a monk rather than a novice after spending nearly 10 [AdhSam-on14years a stateless Christian from Myanmar.
The entry of the 11 in monkhood represented a new departure after a test that brought together thousands of theft come from all over the world, and have propelled young Thais to the forefront of the international scene.
The 12 football players and their trainer were trapped by the rising waters in Tham Luang Cave on June 23rd. complex 10 days later, sitting on a shore where they had survived the condensation of the walls of the cave. For the next week, a coalition of Thai Navy SEAL members, foreign military teams and volunteer divers have come together to guide them. On July 10, the last prisoners were saved and, after 10 days of observation in a Chiang Rai hospital, they became international celebrities. "They realize that their life is no longer the same as before," said Somsak Kanakham. , the district chief of Mae Sai. "We try to do our best to guide them."
Now they aim to show their appreciation through the monk. In traditional Thai Buddhist culture, such ordination can mean the repayment of a debt. For the boys, their stay in the temple will pay tribute to Saman Gunan, a 38-year-old retired Thai Navy member who died by storing air tanks along the underwater evacuation route. . They will spend nine days praying and doing charity work in a Buddhist monastery.
Traditionally, all Thai men are expected to enter monkhood at the age of 20. If they choose to do it sooner, they are "novice" monks. time to reflect and pay tribute. In the wake of the considerable efforts to save them, the ordination of boys is not unusual. Most Thais practice Theravada Buddhism, and being ordained monk in the honor of someone is considered one of the greatest tributes that any one can give.
Mattia Salvini, scholar of Buddhism at Mahidol University, outside of Bangkok, says that the practice of Theravada Buddhism is primarily understood in terms of merit, or creation of one. good karma.
In addition to doing merit, another purpose of temporary ordination may be to improve the karma of others, including the deceased, by transferring merit. "On one side, ordination for them is a pbading ritual, which purifies them after spending a long time in an underground world that is populated by dangerous spirits, and after causing trouble to others, "Siani said by email.
Praphun Khomjoi, director of Chiang Rai Hism Budd's office, said that the goal was for the boys "to clean up, pay tribute to Lieutenant Gunan and pay homage to the king."
Buddhist practices came into play during the team's test, as well. Siding on his monk years, Mr. Ekkapol, 25, taught boys that he was training to meditate in the cave to stay calm and pbad the time by being trapped.
As soon as their brief monk finishes, the boars will begin "In monk's times, they will have a period of peace," said Somsak, the district chief of Mae Sai. "After that, it will be a new life for all of us."
For now, the Thai government has asked that boys not be disturbed. Authorities warned that anyone conducting unauthorized interviews could be prosecuted under Thai child protection laws.
Several film companies have expressed interest in producing works based on the experience of the team. In Mae Sai, local officials worry about how these deals may affect the city's residents.
"Celebrity is dangerous," Somsak said. "These people do not come from wealthy families, it can be tempting when they are approached with money and benefits that they have never had before."
Ben C. Solomon reported from Mae Sai, and Austin Ramzy from Hong Kong. Mike Ives contributed to Hong Kong reports.
Source link
