The Sangha and Disciples Pay Their Respects (Sāmīcikamma) during the Rains Retreat, B.E. 2569
Date
5 August 2026
On 5 August 2026 at 17.00 hrs, the monastic community and the assembly of disciples gathered for sāmīcikamma (“tham wat”) during the Rains Retreat, offering their respects to Phra Samut Wachirasophon Vi. (Luang Pho Itthi), abbot of Wat Chulamanee — a custom observed every year on the 7th day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month.
5 August 2026, 17.00 hrs. — the monastic community and the assembly of disciples gathered to pay their respects in the ceremony of sāmīcikamma (“tham wat”, the formal paying of respects) during the Rains Retreat of B.E. 2569.
The respects were offered to Phra Samut Wachirasophon Vi. (Luang Pho Itthi), abbot of Wat Chulamanee and adviser to the Ecclesiastical Regional Governor of Region 15.
Held every year on the 7th day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month, at 17.00 hrs.
Sāmīcikamma
Sāmīcikamma is one of the graceful customs of the Sangha, a practice handed down since ancient times. When the Rains Retreat arrives, the “tham wat” is performed — customarily between the 2nd and the 8th day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month. It is an act of respect rendered between junior and senior: the junior shows apacāyana-dhamma toward the senior, and the senior in turn extends kindness, support and goodwill. It is a custom and tradition that draws the community together and creates harmony within the fellowship.
Apacāyana-dhamma is humility and respectful conduct toward those senior by birth (jāti-vuḍḍha), those senior by age (vaya-vuḍḍha), and those senior by learning and virtue (guṇa-vuḍḍha). Conduct of such humility is what is called “apacāyana-dhamma”.