In the Buddha's footsteps

THE REALITY TV series with a serious outlook at life, “Novice Monks Cultivate Dharma Wisdom”, returns for its fifth season on Friday, featuring 12 novice monks who will spend one month studying and practising the Lord Buddha’s teachings at Wat Khao Wong in Saraburi Province.

“The series combines good content with entertainment and is suitable for TV audiences of all ages. It can be enjoyed by the whole family and plays an important role in cultivating the right way of thinking and values in the young generation so that they grow up to be responsible and capable adults. This year the dharma classroom is expanded into ‘dharma on tour’ around the central part of Thailand,” says Suphachai Chearavanont, president and chief executive of True Corporation.

“We are honoured that Wat Khao Wong’s abbot, Phra Khru Bhavanabhilas (Luangta Watcharachai Intawangso), is serving as the headmaster and he will lead the young novices to follow in the footsteps of Lord Buddha. They will learn dharma under the theme ‘Love, Wait, Sufficient, Give’. Love is learning how to love with dharma principles. Wait is learning how to wait, not to give up. Sufficient is learning to be satisfied with what one has, and Give is learning how to give with a pure mind. This will lead to giving and doing good deeds for others with a pure mind, while setting a good example for society and inspiring the audience, particularly the young, to learn from the programme and apply this good conduct in their daily lives.”

The 12 novice monks, who have been selected from more than 3,000 applicants from across the country, are Prem from Yuwa Wittaya Kindergarten in Saraburi, First from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Kindergarten in Ayutthaya, Potee from Khon Kaen Kindergarten in Khon Kaen, Kenneth from Lan Rak Kindergarten in Rayong, Pee from Preedawit School in Suphan Buri, Pop from Assumption College Primary School, Sailom from Wat Nong Khun Chat in Uthai Thani, August from Charuwat Nukul School in Bangkok, Utt from the Demonstration School of Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University in Nakhon Ratchasima, Kett from Nongkhai Kindergarten in Nong Khai, and Pingping and Pongpong from Thaweerat School in Songkhla.

The novices will learn and practise dharma step by step, covering the concepts of “Love” and “Wait” and “Sufficient” and “Give” separately within each of four weeks. Headed by Phra Khru Bhavanabhilas, the panel of instructors is made up of other respected monks and experts as well as such well-known public figures as Dr Art-ong Jumsai Na Ayudhya, Dr Woraphat Phucharoen, Jon Jandai, Vuthithorn “Woody” Milintachinda, Christopher Wright, Nakorn “Ple” Silachai, Worrawech “Dan” Danuwong, Khemanit “Pancake” Jamikorn and Jaroenporn “Kohtee” Onlamai. 

The programme aims to promote knowledge and morality among the youngsters, leading to their doing good deeds for the others with pure minds, while setting an example for society and inspiring the audience to be more interested in dharma and behave according to the Buddhist guidelines.

 “Moreover, we really appreciate the grace of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for presenting triple robes for the preceptor of the novice ordination ceremony on April 24. What makes this year’s season special is that we will be honoured by the presence of masters from previous seasons including Phra Maha Vuthichai Vachiramethi, director of the Vimuttayalaya Institute and monks from Wat Rama 9 Kanchanapisek and the ‘For the Good Life Group’ to teach dharma to these novice 

 monks,” says Suphachai.

 

Hours Well Spent

 

- “Novice Monks Cultivate Dharma Wisdom” runs from April 22 to May 22 on Reality TV TrueVisions Channel 99 and Reality HD TV TrueVisions channels 119 or 333 from 6am to 9pm.

- It can also be viewed online at www.TruePlookPanya.com/truelittlemonk. Highlights will be aired on True4U (TrueVisions Channel 24) and TruePlookpanya HD Channel (TrueVisions 116).

- Update information at www.facebook.com/truelittlemonk.