The Daily Beast reports that the boys and soccer coach rescued from a flooded cave in Chiang Rai, Thailand, will be honoring the memory of Saman Kunan, the Thai ex Navy SEAL who died during attempts to rescue them by becoming Buddhist monks. The article starts:
“A day after they charmed and moved the world at an emotive press briefing, the boys and soccer coach rescued from a flooded cave in Chiang Rai, Thailand, are preparing to become Buddhist monks in a ritual adherents say will cleanse their souls, restore good karma, purify the cave—and deliver to heaven the former Thai Navy SEAL who died trying to get them out.
The retreat to a temple is part of a culture rich in religious belief, piety and superstition.
Eleven of the 12 members of the Wild Boars soccer team, ages 11 to 16, and their boyish-looking coach, 25-year-old Ekkapong Chantawong, are scheduled to be ordained next Tuesday at Wat Phradhat Doiwao, a temple in Chiang Rai province. One boy, Adul Sam-on, 14, is Christian and will not join.
At the press event Wednesday, the team bowed before a sketch of Saman Kunan and pledged to atone for their mistakes and honor the ex-SEAL, who perished on July 6, by becoming monks. Thai Buddhists believe the move will pay dividends on Earth and beyond, and senior clergy endorse it.”
Read the whole story here:
https://www.thedailybeast.com/buddhist-prayers-and-meditation-helped-the-thai-boys-survive.
Thanks to Soror Amy for the tip!
