Alms Giving in Thailand: An Experience of Selflessness
By Ian Moore
- Published 11/21/2011
- Buddhism
- Unrated
Alms Giving in Thailand: An Experience of Selflessness
Like a Californian autumn, the warm creamy Thai sun greets another day. It is only an hour past sunrise and the city of Bangkok is already buzzing like a honey bee in search of its divine nectar. In a mindful meandering, monks clad in brilliant saffron mix with the locals and parade down the sidewalk in contemplation of the nature of impermenance. With a silver bowl in one hand and sometimes multiple bags filled with goodies in the other, these desciples of truth embark on yet another day of alms giving in Thailand.
Contary to popular belief, "alms" or the act of giving materially to another is not done to support the wellbeing of the monastary, but is an opportunity to gain much needed merit in this lifetime. Although this is a common ritual in the Buddhist tradition, it is also prevalent in all major religions and spiritual practices as well. The great teachers old have reiterated that the more we give and selfless we become, the more abundunt and richer our lives will be. In Thailand only the best food and goods are offered to the monks. It is belief that if only the best is offered the chances of acquiring a future birth as a beautiful person are much higher. For Thai people it is common to prepare a meal that includes rice and other specialty dishes for the monks early in the morning. This food is mindfully cooked with love, compassion and devotion for the Buddha and his teachings. During my stay in Thailand I had the opportunity of seeing many Thai people give alms every morning before I went to my job as an English teacher. Needless to say, I was ever so curious to take part in this age old ritual. Just a month before, I was taught the proper way to give alms in my Thai cultural teacher training course. This course is a requirement for teaching in Thailand. Although giving alms isn't a requirement for every wide-eyed westerner, I wanted to burst through the cultural glass cieling with a mystical memory that would last a lifetime. However, some time had passed since I took the course and I forgot most of the ritual logistics.
Furthermore, I was nervous that I would offend a monk with my lack of formalities. Despite this hesitation, the time became inevitable. I realized that it is not necessary to worry about giving to someone who has dedicated their whole life towards giving up worrying. After school on a cloudy rainy July day I went to the market near my house and chose "nueng" (one) kilo of bananas and one kilo of "ngho" (rambutan) as my alms offering. Upon returning home I carefully inspected each item and only ate the ones which were less than perfect. Setting the remaining fruit on my own personal altar to the Lord Buddha, Jesus and other enlightened masters, I chose the next morning to give alms. The night consisted of frequent tossing and turning and my sleep patterns were sporadic. Most of my dreams involved alms giving and I had a nervous feeling in my stomach. Despite how simple and easy of an act it is, I tend to always get nervous when dealing with spiritual matters that are new to me. That being said, I wanted to make a good impression for my higher-self and at the same time blend in as if I was Thai. I washed my hands, wore a spotless white shirt and made sure my face was cleanly shaven.
Hastily checking my cellphone clock, I grabbed my bananas, chose seven gnoh (for its religious and spiritual significance) and gingerly placed each item into a plastic bag. With my heart beat steadily increasing and sweat beads forming on my forehead, I proceeded out of my apartment and embarked on the first phase of alms giving---finding a monk. I turned my head to the left and I then to the right. I saw a few orange dots in the distance, but I had my heart set on a younger monk who I would always see crossing the bridge early in the morning. My gameplan was to meet him at the base of the steps. Standing at the foot of the other side of the bridge, I took off my Perry Ellis shoes that I had gotten at a secondhand store and rested my bag of alms on a table. I checked my cell phone clock once more. It was 6:30 and it was just about that time. Out of the corner of my eye I saw an almoned skinned monk in a saffron rope who couldn't have been more than 13. He slowly ascended the steps like an expired sage navigating through the gates of heaven. As he graced the other side, I placed my hands in front of my chest in a "wie" or prayer position. With his attention caught, I nervously grabbed my bag of fruit and placed each item into his shimmering alms bowl with care. I proceeded to bow and place my hands in a much higher prayer position at my hair line.
This is the highest form of greeting and it is only used for monks. Knowing that I did not offend the monk I listened as he chanted a sacred mantra in Sanskrit. My hands were glued to my head. Before I could realize what had happened, the monk had finished his blessings and departed. It was only ten seconds long but it felt like I was turning the key to the door of some sort of mystical religious and cultural immersion. I do not know if it was mere coinsedence, but my day seemed to have gone much better than any other. Moreover, everyone including myself appeared to be more radiant. I have done this several times and each time I do it I feel like I am waxing and rinsing the inner depths of my soul. Thus, the saying: "It is better to give than to receive" is a forever true testament to this act. Because I am a western male the formalities are slightly different than it is for females. Furthermore, if you are a female your hands cannot touch any part of the monk or bowl. You must place your hand directly over the bowl and drop the item into it. After this, you must lower your body into a courtsy and sit on the floor in prayer position. Because I am only a westerner I do not hold authority on this subject. I highly suggest females to ask a thai friend to accompany them on their first alms giving. Despite your own opinions, the woman is a highly taboo subject in Buddhism and it is advised that you respect it and study the formalities. To illustrate this, a monk must undergoe an intense cleansing ritual at the monastary if he is ever touched by a woman.
Once the procedure is learned, you can do it every morning because it not only is a wonderful thing to do, but it is a pleasent and heart warming experience as well. In addition to the merit that you are accumulating, you are also cultivating a sense of selflessness which in turn will allow you to realize your very own Buddha nature. Alms Giving Tips: -Wear white, clean clothes or anything that is modest and respectful. Wear long pants that cover the ankles especially if you are a woman. -Buy or prepare alms the night before or on the morning of. Do not offer food or objects that are several days or weeks old. -Do not take offense if a monk refuses your offering. His bowl may be full. Patiently wait for the next one to approach you. -Take off your shoes before you give alms. -Give alms between 5-7 AM -Offer prepared meals first followed by fruit, drinks, flowers, money and incense. -Make a wish for good health, happiness and peace before you give. Happy Alms Giving!!!
Contary to popular belief, "alms" or the act of giving materially to another is not done to support the wellbeing of the monastary, but is an opportunity to gain much needed merit in this lifetime. Although this is a common ritual in the Buddhist tradition, it is also prevalent in all major religions and spiritual practices as well. The great teachers old have reiterated that the more we give and selfless we become, the more abundunt and richer our lives will be. In Thailand only the best food and goods are offered to the monks. It is belief that if only the best is offered the chances of acquiring a future birth as a beautiful person are much higher. For Thai people it is common to prepare a meal that includes rice and other specialty dishes for the monks early in the morning. This food is mindfully cooked with love, compassion and devotion for the Buddha and his teachings. During my stay in Thailand I had the opportunity of seeing many Thai people give alms every morning before I went to my job as an English teacher. Needless to say, I was ever so curious to take part in this age old ritual. Just a month before, I was taught the proper way to give alms in my Thai cultural teacher training course. This course is a requirement for teaching in Thailand. Although giving alms isn't a requirement for every wide-eyed westerner, I wanted to burst through the cultural glass cieling with a mystical memory that would last a lifetime. However, some time had passed since I took the course and I forgot most of the ritual logistics.
Furthermore, I was nervous that I would offend a monk with my lack of formalities. Despite this hesitation, the time became inevitable. I realized that it is not necessary to worry about giving to someone who has dedicated their whole life towards giving up worrying. After school on a cloudy rainy July day I went to the market near my house and chose "nueng" (one) kilo of bananas and one kilo of "ngho" (rambutan) as my alms offering. Upon returning home I carefully inspected each item and only ate the ones which were less than perfect. Setting the remaining fruit on my own personal altar to the Lord Buddha, Jesus and other enlightened masters, I chose the next morning to give alms. The night consisted of frequent tossing and turning and my sleep patterns were sporadic. Most of my dreams involved alms giving and I had a nervous feeling in my stomach. Despite how simple and easy of an act it is, I tend to always get nervous when dealing with spiritual matters that are new to me. That being said, I wanted to make a good impression for my higher-self and at the same time blend in as if I was Thai. I washed my hands, wore a spotless white shirt and made sure my face was cleanly shaven.
Hastily checking my cellphone clock, I grabbed my bananas, chose seven gnoh (for its religious and spiritual significance) and gingerly placed each item into a plastic bag. With my heart beat steadily increasing and sweat beads forming on my forehead, I proceeded out of my apartment and embarked on the first phase of alms giving---finding a monk. I turned my head to the left and I then to the right. I saw a few orange dots in the distance, but I had my heart set on a younger monk who I would always see crossing the bridge early in the morning. My gameplan was to meet him at the base of the steps. Standing at the foot of the other side of the bridge, I took off my Perry Ellis shoes that I had gotten at a secondhand store and rested my bag of alms on a table. I checked my cell phone clock once more. It was 6:30 and it was just about that time. Out of the corner of my eye I saw an almoned skinned monk in a saffron rope who couldn't have been more than 13. He slowly ascended the steps like an expired sage navigating through the gates of heaven. As he graced the other side, I placed my hands in front of my chest in a "wie" or prayer position. With his attention caught, I nervously grabbed my bag of fruit and placed each item into his shimmering alms bowl with care. I proceeded to bow and place my hands in a much higher prayer position at my hair line.
This is the highest form of greeting and it is only used for monks. Knowing that I did not offend the monk I listened as he chanted a sacred mantra in Sanskrit. My hands were glued to my head. Before I could realize what had happened, the monk had finished his blessings and departed. It was only ten seconds long but it felt like I was turning the key to the door of some sort of mystical religious and cultural immersion. I do not know if it was mere coinsedence, but my day seemed to have gone much better than any other. Moreover, everyone including myself appeared to be more radiant. I have done this several times and each time I do it I feel like I am waxing and rinsing the inner depths of my soul. Thus, the saying: "It is better to give than to receive" is a forever true testament to this act. Because I am a western male the formalities are slightly different than it is for females. Furthermore, if you are a female your hands cannot touch any part of the monk or bowl. You must place your hand directly over the bowl and drop the item into it. After this, you must lower your body into a courtsy and sit on the floor in prayer position. Because I am only a westerner I do not hold authority on this subject. I highly suggest females to ask a thai friend to accompany them on their first alms giving. Despite your own opinions, the woman is a highly taboo subject in Buddhism and it is advised that you respect it and study the formalities. To illustrate this, a monk must undergoe an intense cleansing ritual at the monastary if he is ever touched by a woman.
Once the procedure is learned, you can do it every morning because it not only is a wonderful thing to do, but it is a pleasent and heart warming experience as well. In addition to the merit that you are accumulating, you are also cultivating a sense of selflessness which in turn will allow you to realize your very own Buddha nature. Alms Giving Tips: -Wear white, clean clothes or anything that is modest and respectful. Wear long pants that cover the ankles especially if you are a woman. -Buy or prepare alms the night before or on the morning of. Do not offer food or objects that are several days or weeks old. -Do not take offense if a monk refuses your offering. His bowl may be full. Patiently wait for the next one to approach you. -Take off your shoes before you give alms. -Give alms between 5-7 AM -Offer prepared meals first followed by fruit, drinks, flowers, money and incense. -Make a wish for good health, happiness and peace before you give. Happy Alms Giving!!!