Full Moon Wednesday The 15th day of the waxing moon is considered an auspicious time to chant incantations honoring Phra Upakut to seek blessings for fortune and success. This article presents the chants and ideal times to maximize auspiciousness according to ancient beliefs.
Full Moon Wednesday is an important day in Buddhist and Lanna traditions, believed to be the day when "Phra Upakut" the powerful arahant emerges to collect alms and aid beings at midnight. Those who make merit or chant incantations honoring Phra Upakut on this day receive great merit, especially in fortune, wealth, and success.
The significance of Full Moon Wednesday and Phra Upakut according to historical and traditional accounts: Phra Upakut is a venerable monk residing beneath the sea’s navel (the jeweled hermitage). He possesses spiritual power to vanquish evil and grant fortune. Traditionally, Buddhists favored midnight almsgiving on "Peng Pud" or the full moon that falls on a Wednesday for auspiciousness. For those unable to attend almsgiving, chanting Phra Upakut incantations at home is also considered a beneficial way to enhance one’s destiny.
The most auspicious time to chant Phra Upakut incantations is midnight on Full Moon Wednesday (the start of the new day). However, if inconvenient, chanting during the early evening of Full Moon Wednesday is acceptable. The key is to maintain a calm and focused mind.
Before chanting, light incense and candles to pay homage to the Triple Gem and recite Namo three times.
(Recite Namo three times)
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammasambuddhassa (three times)
"Upakutto Cha Mahatherō Samputhe Na Viyākato Māranya Mārabalanya Soita Nimaha Therō Namasittawā Patithito Ahang Wantāmi Itanewa Upakuttang Cha Mahatherang Yang Yang Upathawang Chātang Withang Seti Asesatom Mahālābang Bhawantu Me."
For those wishing to emphasize blessings for fortune, money, and work success, the following additional chant can be recited:
"Mahā Upakutto Cha Mahālāpo Buddholābang Sappechanā Pahūchanā Rājapuriso Itiyomānang Namo Jōramettācittang Ehicittijittang Piyangamama Sathewakang Saprommakang Manusānang Sappalābang Bhawantu Me. Ehicittijittang Pandhang Upakutto Cha Mahatherō Buddhasāwakā Anuphāwanā Māravichayā Nirabhayā Techapunyanatāchātēdawatānanpi Manusānānpi Ehicittang Piyangamama Imangkāya Pandhang Atithāmisutang Upacāi."
After completing the Phra Upakut worship chant, firmly set your intention and pray for your desires, especially for fortune, wealth, and career success. The belief in chanting as spiritual support, combined with diligent and ethical work, is considered the key to lasting success.