Thailand

MONK'S MORNING

by: Nathan Kimmons

[Footnotes and author's comments in brackets]

Up before dawn, when all is still calm,

I think out my day, in the verse of a psalm.

I still cannot see, the light on my palm,

so I know it's not time, to go collect alms.

[The Bhudda taught that monks should begin their morning walks to collect food when "there is enough light to see the lines on your hand."]

I survey my kuti, my things I assess,

my beautiful bahd, and three robes for dress,

a needle and thread, and well... I guess,

that's really about all, I truly possess.

[Becoming a monk means to renounce your possessions and try to flee from the notion of the "self". However, according to Buddhist writings, there are 8 things a monk must possess: An alms bowl (in Chiang Mai language-- bahd), three robes, a belt, needle and thread, a water strainer, and a razor. They are also allowed to have other small necesseties depending on the temple-- times change. In fact, young monks can even be seen chatting on cell phones from time to time.]

Meditation alone, I consider the Dhamma,

and try not to dwell, on worldly drama.

But thoughts start to stray, I'm no Dali Lama,

I'm missing my home, I'm missing my mama.

[Dhamma = the doctrines and teachings of the Bhudda

Buddhism 101: Bhuddist teachings revolve around the 4 Noble Truths:

1. In life there is dukha (suffering caused by not getting what you want).

2. The cause of dukha is craving/wanting/attachment/ambition/etc.. --it can never be satisfied.

3. Nirvana (enlightenment) can be attained when desire/craving is eliminated.

4. Desire can be eliminated by following the Eightfold Path (Right Action, Speech, Livelihood, Effort, Mindfulness, Concentration, View, and Thought)]

Two years now I've lived, the life of a dtoo,

to merit my family, and learn for free too.

It's lightened up now, time to get food,

so I start to head out, on the road with no shoes.

[dtoo = Chiang Mai language for "novice monk"

The order of the monks is not like a priesthood. Monks are not required to commit for life. (although many do) The majority of men in Thailand at some point wear the robes of a monk for a couple months during their teens as a rite of passage. This also earns merit for the entire family when a son is ordained as a monk. It is also a path for some of the poorer Thais to receive free education.]

I walk with my friend, and a fairly quick pace,

'cause it's early and cold, and there's wind in my face.

So we walk straight ahead, to go receive grace,

at Chang Phueak market, the tastiest place.

[Chang Phueak market = the open market where the following photos were taken (about 7:00 a.m.)]

When walking along, by the small mini-mart,

my friend lets one rip, and the giggling starts.

Don't peg me as rude, I'm just light at heart,

'cause even monks laugh, and even monks fart.

[Sorry... couldn't help myself. The mental image of a monk farting was just too funny to pass up. Plus I wanted people to remember that monks are human beings just like the rest of us. Everything isn't always dry and serene. Most foreigners are too shy to even talk with monks when visiting. (Maybe it's the shaved eyebrows and bright orange robes...?)]

When giving their alms, young & old both elect,

to get down on the their knees, in a sign of respect,

while I chant them a blessing, but last time I checked,

the don't have to listen, it'll still take effect.

[Surprisingly, some people will be walking around or chatting on the cell phone while the monks do their chants. It's believed that you don't really have to listen to the chants, just hearing them is good enough. Odd.]

They do it for us, and to make merit,

the words in my chant in Pali declare it.

They give us so much, our bowls cannot bear it.

They know we won't waste it, the know we will share it.

[Pali is the ancient language in which the Buddhist teachings were written. All chants are done in Pali. Learning this language (which is not spoken commonly by lay people) is an essential and difficult part of the path of a monk.

Monks share their alms (food, supplies) with other monks who may need it, or the temple animals.]

We both have enough, for later and now,

so back to the wat, so we can have chow.

A dog's at the gate, 'cause he's figured out how,

to be the first one when it's time to ghin khao.

[Monks eat two meals a day-- breakfast and lunch. They can eat nothing after 12:00-- which I guess is why you don't see many overweight monks. So the monks are normally able to get enough food for all day on their morning walk.

wat - Thai language for "temple"

ghin khao - Thai language-- literally "eat rice", but they use that idiomatically for "to have a meal."]

[If you've ever visited Thailand, you'd probably say, "What's up with all the dogs everywhere?" Dogs roam the villages (often in t-shirts), sleep in the streets, and scavenge for food wherever they can. Some have owners. Some don't-- it's hard to tell the difference. When they are injured or sick, families often can't afford to take care of them anymore. They are then dropped off at the temple for the monks to care for.]

So I beg for my food, then give some away,

then group chant worship, it's kinda how we pray.

Then off to my classes, it's work before play.

This is my morning, day after day.

Most of my research for this blog came from these books: