Monk Visit

Today we got to witness people making merit which means doing good things as mentioned in religious doctrine. There are three ways of making and gaining merit, to give alms, to maintain religious commandment and to pray. Today we say many people giving alms.

Monks walk around with a bowl and people place well prepared food in the bowls or they bring flowers which the monks carry around. People sell flowers and food so that people will buy it and give it to the monks as alms.

This is very common in the Thais' way of life and it is mentioned in two parts of Buddha history and became a tradition. After placing the food in the monks bowl, they bow down and the monks pray for them and then continue on their walk.

The monks walk up and down this street from 6am-7am everyday in order for people to gain merit. It was definitely a cultural experience which I was very thankful to have the opportunity to witness.