Giving Alms to the Monks

We were awakened early on Thursday morning so that we could participate in morning alms. For the most part, everyone had a very memorable experience of wearing temple clothes and sleeping on mats with a simple pillow. This morning, we would see Buddhism from a very organic place. This was not going to be staged at all.

After a long night of sleeping on the ground with a single small pillow and a blanket, the group definitely came to realize how difficult the life of a monk is.  We all shared about how our backs ached and necks were stiff, however needed to remind ourselves that the monks and the nuns sleep in these conditions every night.  Getting a start to our day at 6 am, we began by collecting morning alms for the monks.  We traveled to a local convenience store to collect Thai snacks and drinks.  Despite the fact that we bought the food and drinks for the monks, we came to understand that the monks are not allowed to keep all of the food for themselves.  Instead, they must donate some of the food to orphans and/or the poor.  Following the giving of the snacks, we joined the monks and the nuns for breakfast.  We ate a combination of vegetables, eggs, soup, and a lot of rice.  As breakfast ended, we traveled to the stupa for a fifteen minute meditation and last minute information about the way of life of the monk.  As the morning came to a close, our group was impacted by the simple life of the monk and how they live without material items and are still able to reach complete happiness.  Overall, the monastery life was difficult at times compared to the lives that we are used to, however made us feel grateful for what we have and appreciate the lives that the monks and nuns live.  What a great once in a lifetime experience.  ~  Micaela 

The stupa at sunrise. We were on our way to the store to purchase our alms for the monks. These "snacks" would be presented to the monks and then served to the monks.  Whatever is remaining would be given to the poor and to the orphans.

I In Buddhist legend, it is believed that the mother of Buddha, Queen Maya, had a dream about the white elephant before she could  conceive. The white elephant is seen as a symbol or strength and loyalty, and has royal status in Thailand..

Sunrise photo on our tour of the grounds.

One of several shrines to Buddha.

Preparing to eat breakfast in the image room with the monks, the nuns and a few neighbors.

Sharing morning alms.

Preparing to mediate in the Stupa

The interior of the stupa is very ornately decorated.

We bid farewell and thank you to the nun who greeted us, warmly welcomed us, and took care of us during our stay at the monastery..