The Life of a Monk

Before the dawn, at around 5AM, monks leave their monasteries and begin their alms rounds. The monks in Chiang Mai brave winter temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), which is very cold by Thailand standards. Most Thai people seen on the streets at this time of the morning in December are layered with sweaters, winter coats, hats, and sometimes even gloves, while monks make their daily trek barefoot on the cold pavement. They walk through the streets of the city, without wincing as they step upon sharp gravel and rough concrete. They carry either an alms basin or a shoulder bag for collecting alms presented by Buddhists wishing to make merit. The alms rounds are not a form of begging; they are done as a form of humility and a detachment from material goods. When practicing Thai Buddhists see the monks' striking orange saffron robes in the distance, they already have their alms ready to distribute. They beckon to the monks, distribute their offerings (normally rice, curries or non-perishable goods), take off their shoes and crouch down to receive a blessing. The Monks give a blessing to the alms-offerer, wishing them a long and happy life in ancient language of Pali. Sometimes, monks are followed by a "luksit", a form of disciple, following the monk and holding excess food. No matter how much food the monks collect on their alms rounds, none of it is wasted. The monks can only eat what they receive from merit-makers; they save the extra non-perishable goods for later or share them with others. Giving alms to monks (tak bat) in Chiang Mai was such an interesting and eye-opening experience and it is one that we will never forget. The monks, as well as the Buddhists faithfully waiting for them every morning with prepared offerings, are incredibly dedicated to their religion.