in memory of the dead

Prior to the day of the offering, a party was held in the house where close neighbours came to partake food and drinks while giving some money to hang from the money tree. The money collected will be offered to the temple the next day. We celebrated the death of four members of the family. Two uncles and two aunts, which were my adoptive parents here in Thailand. 

The sky was looking dim but we proceeded putting all four money trees at the back of the pick up truck, along with some food and beverages for the attending people and monks. 

The temple was just a short ride, we can even walk as it was really near. It is an old temple and they had been renovating the surroundings while building a new temple to house a sacred statue. 

Looking from the inside, and this reminded me of reflection, looking from the inside out. We have the responsibility to see how our actions affect people around us, and what we can do to make merits and amends.

The younger novice started to arranged the things while the older monks were getting ready for the prayers and ceremony. 

It wasn't a long and tedious prayer reading and chanting. It was actually refreshing to hear something rhythmic yet holy. 

Some interesting roles were played by the participants such as lighting candles and incense sticks, feeding the monks, roping the vicinity with white thread, as well as the continuous chanting of the attendees. 

After the prayers and lunch, a handful of participants volunteered to count the money which will be donated to the ongoing construction of another sala. It amounted to 18,840 baht in total.

It was a good day and everyone went back home with a smile on their faces and a feeling of warmth and camaraderie. It's something I like about this community, they are all together as one.