Ever wonder the reason why monks go on alms walk throughout the streets of Southeast Asia? Well, to understand this concept, you’ll have to touch upon monastic life a little bit as well as the reasons why Buddhist lay people do this.

First, what is alms giving? What is it that these people are offering to monks? To answer the first question, alms giving is the act of offering something useful and of material value as an act of religious virtue. The lay person in return, makes merit for him/her self, receives a blessing from the monk and ensures monastic continuity. Some of the items given include food, water, flashlights, candles, incest sticks, etc.

Why do monks go out on alms walks anyway? Because monks are forbidden to cook and/or store food or kill living animals, even if it is for consumption. All are direct violations of the 227 precepts Buddhist monks must follow. However, monks are allowed cooked food, stored food and meat only if offered by someone else.

Alms walks happen very early in the morning. Why? Well, monks cannot eat after noon. Again, this is a violation of one of their Precepts. By having the alms walk early in the morning, there is time for them to have breakfast and lunch. Monks must also make sure that they receive their alms only if called upon. And the lay person must ensure that the food given is not leftovers from a previous meal and that the items given are with intent for merit making.

So, you want to be a part of the customs? Interested in learning how to make merit by giving alms to a monk? Like every other person, quietly call over a monk. Go on ahead and place your items in the silver bowl the monk is carrying. Otherwise, you can hand it over to the monk’s helper, a little boy that accompanies and assists the group. Then, crouch down and receive your blessing. It is customary to do this with your shoes off, as a sign of respect for the monk who walks barefoot.

The sight of orange clad monks on their alms walks is a unique and unseen event for many. And there isn’t a grander alms walking site than Luang Prabang. And visit the UNESCO town you will, with style! But be warned. Alms walks happen very early in the morning. So get a good night’s rest and ward off the temptation of pressing the snooze button after the alarm clock rings.

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