The feast of Maundy (or Holy) Thursday solemnly commemorates the institution of the Eucharist and is the oldest of the observances of the Holy Week. This holy day is associated with the Last Supper (The Holy Bible, Matthew 26:26-29), the agony in the Garden (The Holy Bible, Luke 22:39-46), and the arrest of Jesus (The Holy Bible, Matthew 26:46-50).

    The word Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum meaning commandment. This is the first word in Christ's statement at the Last Supper, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another." (The Holy Bible, John 13:34.)

    [For further reading, refer to  The Science of Spirituality as in the Holy Bible, compiled by H. H. Dr. Jayant B. Athavale and Mrs. Sharon Clarke Sequeira, published by the Sanatan.]