The Tham Vessantara-jAtaka - Khamkoo

case they do not practise only what they are to recite but also other parts as well. To
maintain their voices, they have to practise the whole of the Th. VJ and besides this,
they have to practise chanting selected texts such as Phra Malai Kao, a popular text
about Phra Malai’s visit to the hells, Phra Malai Pai, a text about Phra Malai’s visit the
heavenly abodes, the PAramI, the perfections and so on. Sometimes they practise
reciting other JAtakas at the monastery prior to the recitation. Their teachers will teach
and guide them where to stop and where to start. They are thoroughly taught where to
lower and raise their voices, where to chant on higher or a lower note and how to keep
the chanting even. 20 They have to learn and remember how to recite suttas and JAtakas
according to their teachers’ guidance. They have to practise reciting them daily until
they master them. Their nervousness is dispelled by practising.
In Thailand, there are monks who specialise in reciting the VJ. They are well
expert in reciting their particular sections. 21 This means that each and every monk
cannot recite the other sections except the particular section which he masters. A monk
who masters particular sections with their sweet voice through practice, becomes
famous and wins the heart of the listeners. He gains many material donations from
devotees so that jealousy may be created by other monks. As a result, he might be
poisoned to make him lose his sweet voice. 22
Such a famous preacher has to be
cautious when entering a monastery where the ceremony of recitation takes place,
20
Pha Yaumg Yong, “Pra Phe Nee Tang Tham Long”, Phang Thet MahA ChAt Lanna, pp. 32-34.
21 Pha Yaumg Yong, “Pra Phe Nee Tang Tham Long”, Phang Thet MahA ChAt Lanna, pp.72-76; see also
Thet MahA ChAt, pre, pp-7-8 and details of it can also be studied “Pra Phe Nee Tang Tham Long”, Pa
Phe Nee Sip Saung Deun, Lanna Thai by Mani Pha Yaum Yong, pp. 26-56.
22 Pha Yaumg Yong, Pra Phe Nee Tang Tham Long (Phang Thet MahA ChAt Lanna) pp. 32-34; the same
author, “Pra Phe Nee Tang Tham Long”, Pa Phe Nee Sip Saung Deun, Lanna Thai, pp. 38-40.
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