Suññataram California Monastery PhraAjahn Yantra Amaro

09/08/2026

08/29/2026

"Sat Thai" is a mid-year merit-making festival in Thailand,

observed annually on the 15th day of the waning moon of the 10th lunar month (typically falling between September and October). Its purpose is to make merit and dedicate the resulting spiritual benefits to deceased ancestors.

The word "Sat" originates from an Indian term referring to a season or a specific period when crops ripen and are harvested for the first time in the year.

Historically, Indian people and followers of Brahmanism would use these first harvests to prepare offerings for the gods;

when Thailand adopted this tradition, it was integrated with Buddhist practices and transformed into an occasion for making merit for ancestors.

The significance of Sat Thai lies in expressing gratitude, as descendants make merit to benefit their departed grandparents.

It also involves beliefs regarding *Preta* (hungry ghosts): it is believed that relatives

who are still atoning for past karma can receive a share of this merit and find relief from their suffering on this day.

The festival's signature treat is *Khanom Krayasat*, a confection made from aged rice, beans, sesame seeds, and sugar.

08/28/2026

Dhamma Teachings by Venerable Yantra Amaro

Sometimes, you might experience aches or numbness in various parts of the body. If the body were truly ours, we should be able to control it to prevent such discomfort. For instance, if you feel pain on the left side and shift to the right, the pain might simply move to the right side instead. This illustrates the nature of impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and non-self (anatta)—things are neither permanent nor lasting, and they are difficult to endure and not truly ours. No one has the power to control or force them. Understanding and letting go can help alleviate discomfort, but avoid becoming frustrated or upset. Don’t place too much importance on feeling pleased or distressed.

Even if we sit comfortably, that comfort does not last forever; therefore, that happiness is not truly ours. If you wish to be free from suffering, do not be attached to worldly pleasures. If you seek to experience goodness, strive to abandon evil. If you wish for clarity, make an effort to observe and prevent unwholesome states from arising. Cultivate a compassionate heart, develop wisdom to see clearly, and find true illumination. Recognize the cessation of phenomena and allow the mind to experience a state free from defilements. Strive to practice mindfulness, awareness, and insight continuously.

If you feel drowsy, don’t close your eyes. Keep them open and try taking deep, slow, and strong breaths until you can hear your own breathing, or use your hands to touch your arms, face, and head to awaken your awareness. Feeling fatigued, drowsy, or sleepy is normal, but continue practicing. Practitioners must be diligent and persistent. Eat less, sleep less, speak less, and practice more.