In perfect harmony: an ode to Buddhism

Chalermchai Dongchan, second right, and three other chanters of Maha Chat Kham Luang

This Monday, Chalermchai Dongchan will be one of the four devotees chanting the Vessantara Jataka or Maha Chat Kham Luang in front of Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua at the Emerald Buddha Temple.

“Chanting Maha Chat Kham Luang has been my proud mission since 2010,” the 42-year-old civil servant with the Culture Ministry’s Religious Affairs Department tells TPBS World.

Maha Chat Kham Luang chant is an expression of worship. It is performed at a sacred temple, where the Emerald Buddha statue is enshrined. The chant is a tradition that has been passed on from generation to generation since the Sukhothai Period.

From passion to proud mission

One of Chalermchai’s uncles worked for the Religious Affairs Department. At the age of 14, Chalermchai accompanied his uncle…