Giving Alms to Monks, Luang Prabang, Laos

To read the entire story about earning merit on the path to Nirvana in Luang Prabang, Laos, go to holeinthedonut..., and if you enjoyed this video, please consider subscribing to my KZbin channel.
Every morning in Luang Prabang, the spiritual capital of Laos, hundreds of monks walk barefoot in single file through the streets, carrying their alms bowls to receive alms from people. The donors offer sticky rice, snacks and fruit to the monks in order to gain merit, which they believe may lead to a better next life or lessen the number of times they must be reincarnated before achieving nirvana.
Unfortunately, this lovely ceremony has become somewhat corrupted, with tourists jostling to get the best photo, blinding the monks with flash bulbs in the pre-dawn light, and generally exhibiting rude behavior. In addition to the tourists, vendors quickly learned there was money to be made from this daily ceremony and they are just as obtrusive, shoving food on unprepared tourists who end up paying exorbitant amounts of money to buy food to give to the monks, some of which is inappropriate, old, or improperly prepared. To fight this the government is now posting signs advising tourists not to buy from these vendors; rather it is suggested to buy fruit or prepackaged snacks, or ask your hotel to assist in preparing food the night before.
Despite these problems, this incredible ceremony known as Binthabhat, is a must see when visiting Luang Prabang. Photos and videos are perfectly acceptable if done in a respectful way, standing back from the procession and perhaps using a telephoto lens.

[@BarbaraWeibel]

*FROM THE ARCHIVES: As a photographer I desperately wanted* to take photos of the spiritual procession but as a Buddhist I wanted to show my respect for the sangha, the community of ordained monks. I compromised, shoving my camera into my backpack with a commitment that I wouldn’t take a single photo until I had first participated in the alms-giving ceremony. holeinthedonut.com/2011/05/14/luang-prabang-laos-alms-monks/

[@JimRobertson]

interesting, Thanks Barbara Weibel

[@BarbaraWeibel]

You're welcome, Jim. Just wish it hadn't become such a touristy event over the years

[@jeevankumargurung2438]

So nice buddhist culture of laos.plz offer pureveg foods only.buddha said if you don't have any food to eat then you can eat meat. Pureveg monks are best in real buddhism.they are like a leader of our society. This comment is from the land of buddha lumbini nepal south Asia.

[@tanapholroochirachagon1704]

Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu

[@nongthip]

Stop treating the monks as tourist attractions!!! Leave them alone to get their morning food and supplies as per tradition WITHOUT you getting in their way and shoving cameras in their face. Absolutely disgusting tourist behaviour!

[@Sunny066]

Must be careful about about street vendors and accepting food that are supposed to be offered. Its a con, and you ll pay a large price for small amounts of food...beware seriously!!

[@mitchelllee1339]

you obsulety right this need to stop,taking picture ,and old food