Photo Favorite: Morning Alms Collection by Buddhist Monks

6101212205 2628fa1dc9 o Photo Favorite: Morning Alms Collection by Buddhist Monks

Collecting Alms

Location: Luang Prabang, Laos

In Theravada Buddhism, monks collect daily alms of food. In the early morning they set off walking barefoot around town to collect food in their large bowls.

People stand by the side of the street and place food in the monk’s bowls as a way to make merit.

This photo was taken in Luang Prabang, Laos, at about 7 am when the monks were out on a cloudy morning.


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10 Responses to “Photo Favorite: Morning Alms Collection by Buddhist Monks”

  1. Priyank November 21, 2011 at 6:58 pm #

    Hey Mark, this photo reminded me of my childhood, I too used to go in the morning to seek alms. Not every day and certainly not dressed colourfully like that. :)
    Priyank recently posted..Time travel in QuitoMy Profile

    • Mark Wiens November 22, 2011 at 9:19 am #

      Cool, thanks for sharing Priyank!

  2. Emily S. November 22, 2011 at 3:10 am #

    Do they collect the food for themselves, or is it to give away to others?

    Their bright clothing is such a stark contrast to the surroundings!
    Emily S. recently posted..How NOT to Smuggle Cuban Cigars into the United StatesMy Profile

    • Mark Wiens November 22, 2011 at 9:22 am #

      Hey Emily. They collect food together as monks from a temple, then they go back to the temple and share the food amongst themselves. The contrast is what I really liked about this photo!

  3. Renee King November 24, 2011 at 1:24 am #

    For some reason, this saddens me. Maybe I’m too far removed culturally and looking at this with Western eyes, but it seems like they are begging….but I am glad that people are sharing their food with them.

  4. Arti November 30, 2011 at 7:38 pm #

    This is an amazing pic. I can relate with the Jain monks who too have similar routines. People fold their hands and give them food, it is considered very good.
    Arti recently posted..Celebrating 2 Years of Togetherness with a Heartfelt Thank You…My Profile

  5. ladakh tour December 1, 2011 at 4:43 pm #

    the Buddhism monk is laborious. In this picture they are collecting food in large bowl amazing…….

  6. chris December 7, 2011 at 11:01 am #

    i would love to see the monks collecting alms in the morning.I didnt see them falling in line in bangkok,there were just two or three at a time begging for alms

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