The Orange Robes of Laos
Every morning at dawn, heads shaved and barefooted, the monks and novices pour out of the thirty-some Buddhist Temples to begin their Alms Walk through the streets of Luang Prabang in northern Laos.
Luang Prabang lies in a valley at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. It was the ancient capital of Laos. Today, the city has 34 Buddhist Temples and hundreds of Monks and Novices.
Tak Bat, the alms-giving ceremony, is an ancient tradition in Laos Buddhist culture, occurring every day with the sunrise. The Devotes prepare sticky rice, their sacred alms, to give to the Monks as they pass by. The monks collect alms in their “beggar bowls” as a way to keep their vows, while the locals give alms to practice their Buddhist faith.
This longstanding tradition in Laos is done in complete silence. The monks have taken a vow of silence, and walk-in meditation. A moving experience and one of the highlights of our travels.
For more Laos and Luang Prabang click HERE. Thanks for visiting. Stay safe and well.
