Why donate?
When visiting the temple, Buddhists will often come before noontime with offerings of food for the monks. In addition they will often donate money to support the maintenance and necessities of the temple.
In Thailand, the order of the monks survives entirely on free donations. Monkhood is the most respected and reverred status a man can possibly achieve, therefore the lay people will always support and protect it.
Monks relinquish all worldly posessions and devote their life to the study and teaching of Buddhist beliefs. The lay people will go to them to ask questions of faith and for advice and blessings. In return for this they gladly support them with offerings of food and money for maintenance.
In Thailand, the order of the monks survives entirely on free donations. Monkhood is the most respected and reverred status a man can possibly achieve, therefore the lay people will always support and protect it.
Monks relinquish all worldly posessions and devote their life to the study and teaching of Buddhist beliefs. The lay people will go to them to ask questions of faith and for advice and blessings. In return for this they gladly support them with offerings of food and money for maintenance.
Traditionally, monks in Thailand will venture out of the monastery in the morning. They will go around the streets and people will wait outside to put offerings of food such as rice in their bowls.
Here in Belgium this beautiful tradition is somewhat adapted by letting believers come to the temple instead. The reason for this is clearly because Thai Buddhist believers are scattered all around the country and are simply not to be reached by foot on a daily basis.
Here in Belgium this beautiful tradition is somewhat adapted by letting believers come to the temple instead. The reason for this is clearly because Thai Buddhist believers are scattered all around the country and are simply not to be reached by foot on a daily basis.
