Alms

My house is surrounded by temples, it's wonderful waking up to the sound of drums from the temples every morning even though it's 4 o'clock! Usually I roll over and sleep some more, often I think I should get up a give Alms and sometimes I actually do.

The monks and novices start their day at 4am with prayers, they take Alms at sunrise, walking a circuit, barefooted, from their temple around their village. Only food that has been donated at Alms is eaten and  monks and novices can't eat after midday! Alms Bowls contain mainly sticky rice, which everyone loves, there are sweets but not much fruit and veg, so I'm on a mission, they're all going to be fruit bats too!!

I give Alms at the temples where I teach English, Wat NaLuang and Wat Pasaviet, talking to or looking at the novices and monks is not usual practice but I always forget and grin and say 'sabaidee, how's it going' - naughty Michael. 

After all the monks and novices have walked by and received Alms, from an individual or a group of people, they stop and chant a blessing, I love this bit and can't help to have a cheeky look, should be head bowed with palms together praying to the Buddha - must get better at this Buddhism etiquette.

The novices asked if they could borrow my camera to take some photos ....