Earning Merit the Chiang Mai Way

Herman and I ambled into a rare opportunity three nights ago. We were wandering round Chiang Mai after dinner dropped into the Wat Chedi Luang temple, where the monks were having some sort of Buddhist celebration. There were a few dozen spectators, another dozen monks, and a man chanting in front of a shrine.

The man, who had to be in his eighties, chanted for thirty or forth minutes in a strong voice. The monks were passing out very sweet tea to us spectators. Apparently they though we needed something to give us more stamina for just listening. When the man completed his chant, the monks invited all the spectators, including Herman and me, to help light the lanterns as offerings of merit. 

Herman and I both sent two lanterns floating up to the heavens. I’m not sure how much merit that earns us, but it was great fun to be included in the ceremony.