Making merit has been one of Thai traditions for centuries. Making merit (or Tam Boon in Thai) means doing good things as mentioned in Buddhist doctrine. According to Thai’s way of life, they are very familiar with making merit since their birth until death. This is because they strongly believe that if we do good things, we will receive good things in return. In contrast, if we do evil things, we will receive evil back. In addition, Thais do not only greatly believe that making merit would bring them happiness and peaceful life, but also gaining merit would strengthen them to overcome any obstacles or bad luck they are now suffering.
The common rule before making merit is to purified one’s mind and make sure your mind and thoughts are ready. This rule is very important as in Buddhist’s belief; gaining merit must not bring trouble or worry to yourself or others.
There are 3 ways of making and gaining merit:-
1) Giving alms or making merit by putting food in the bowl of monks
Every morning around 6 – 7 am in the morning, monks usually silently walk along the street to receive food or offerings. However, for some people who live near the river or canal, monks discreetly row a boat and stop at people’s houses to receive the offerings.
Food offered to monks is well prepared since early morning. Some might cook by themselves, but some might easily buy the food from local market. The offerings include newly cooked steamed rice, savory, desserts or fruits. Some people may also prepare flowers, candles and joss sticks. When the monk arrives, he will be asked to stop. Thai people will politely say “Nimon”. Then, they will gradually put steamed rice into the monk’s bowl and followed by savory and desserts. The flower, joss sticks and candles will be placed on the silver cover of the monk’s bowl. After that, they will get blessed by the monk. Further to one of Buddhist’s belief, after making merit, we should pour water into any utensils. While pouring the water, they will think of their parents, relatives or their loved ones who already passed way and wish to devote the gained merit to them. At last, they will pour the water in the utensils under any large trees.
2) Maintaining religious teachings
To maintain Buddhism teachings, Thais can do it either at home or at temples or anywhere. For example, Thais usually take part Buddhist festivities at the temple by offering food to the monks and listening to the prayer. Likewise, they can meditate at home or temple to purify their mind. Moreover, giving is the main concept of Buddhism. It is said the more you give, the happier you become. Thai people like to make merit by releasing fishes into the river as they believe that giving live to others is the best way to gain merit and happiness to their minds. The other way is to donate necessary things or some money to less fortunate people. As long as you maintain religious commandment by whichever ways, you will receive merit and good things in return.
3) To pray
When you pray with purified mind and good intention, you will certainly gain merit. Most Thai people always pray at night before they go to bed. Mostly, they will finish the last prayer to devote the gained merit to poor animal, suffered people and even their enemy from both past and present life.
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