October 24, of each year marks the death anniversary of H.H. Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the 19th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand. Today was the fourth anniversary of his death; his age was 100 years and 21 days.

His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn was patron of the event, which was held at the 100 Year Sala, Wat Bowonniwet Vihara. Somdet Phra Vanarat, abbot of Wat Bowonniwet Vihara presided over the event.

The event began with a Dhamma Teaching (Dhammadesana) by Phra Rajavedi of Wat Phra Chetuponvimolmangalaram (Wat Pho). Upon finishing, he was offered gifts, provided by the king, by members of the audience.

Next, ten monks chanted various Pali verses common for this occasion. The ten monks were: Phra Phromkavi, Wat Kalayanamit; Phra Dhamsiddhivedi, Wat Sangvetvisayaram; Phra Thepsiddhimuni, Wat Dusidaram; Phra Rajaviduddhimedhi, Wat Chaichumpol Chanasongkram, Kanchanaburi; Phra Rajaviduddhinyan, Wat Padarabhirom, Chiang Mai; Phra Rajavinaysundorn, Wat Phra Ram Kao; Phra Kittisuvaddhanaborn, Wat Devesangharam, Kanchanaburi; Phra Pathomgandjarn, Wat Chumnumsadha, Nakornpathom; Phra Maha Chaiwat, Chaiwaddhano, Wat Nyanasamvararam, Cholburi.

A Lunch was offered, after which, a robe offering (bangsukun) was offered to 20 monks. Merit was dedicated to His Holiness, marking the end of the ceremony.

It has only been four years since his passing, but for me it feels much longer. I continue to miss his presence and fatherly advice. With anjali and prostrations.