Alms

Every morning, saffron-robed monks set out on foot at first light, carrying only their saibat, or mettal alms bowl.

According to Buddhist precepts and religious traditions, monks are allowed only two possessions: their robes and their alms bowl. Buddhist monks are not allowed to buy and sell, or to own their own property. Instead, they must rely on donations of food and supplies from their community. The daily alms round, which usually takes place just before or around dawn every morning, is a vitally important part of a monk's daily routine. Monks are allowed to eat one and only one meal per day - it must be finished before noon - and they may only eat what has been donated to them.

Traditionally, the alms bowls carried by the monks were made by hand according to ancient regulations. Today, most are made in factories, but one last remnant of the ancient craft remains: Baan Bat, the "Monk's Bowl Village". This quiet community, which lies tucked in a narrow alleyway behind the Temple of the Golden Mount, is the sole remaining community in Bangkok that still produces alms bowls by hand.