Morning Alms in Exotic Places

Every morning without fail, the Buddhist Monks from the local temples throughout Thailand take off on foot (barefoot) to collect alms of food for all the Temple Monks.  Even today, in Thailand, monks still rely on receiving alms for most of their food. The monks leave the monasteries early in the morning and they walk single file, oldest first, carrying their alms bowls in front of them. Thai People who live in the area  wait for the Monks and place food in the bowls. Women of the community must be careful not to touch the monks.  The monks do not speak, but do offer a prayer for the person or people giving the alms as if in thanks for the food.  The giving of alms is not thought of as charity but the alms giving creates a spiritual connection between the Monks and the people.  

While the alms giving takes place all over Thailand, there are places that are enchanting to see.  One example is the Monks in temples along the waterways of the country.  The keep in tradition of rowing individually in boats, stopping at each pier along route along the river.  The video below has a video clip of the Monks on the water.  I have also seen Monks on their daily alms collection at the beach - also magical to see...

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