by newkidontheblock » Sat Jan 21, 2017 1:56 pm
As part of the training regimen to prepare for the ceremony it was decided that I would attend a Buddhist holy day in the province. Went to the province a little after daybreak. Tents were up and 2 or 3 cooking pots were already set up and manned by family and neighbors to feed all the gatherers. Offerings were assembled for the monks. Even mother-in-law was there (via photo) for the event.
Chanting was begun by the village wat man, women, followers. Yes, even the dirt road village has its own wat. Around 9 am the monks arrived. Five monks, older head monk, plus four younger monks. The younger monks kept gesturing and whispering about me throughout the ceremony. Family kept watching me, too. Got blessed with holy water multiple times, gave the monk offerings, etc. after about 2 hours, the monks went back to the temple with the offerings. Followers eventually returned home with bags of food, too.
After the ceremony was over, I asked why I was the focus of so many eyes and mouths. I couldn't maintain the sitting prayer position for long periods of time. Sucked at mimicking the Khmer Buddhist chants. Kept bowing before the holy water was flung. (So as to not hit my face and cover my glasses.) Clueless as to went to bow, respond by chanting. Probably a bunch of other transgressions as well.
As for exposure, it was good. Worked on respectful sitting skills. Need more work on picking up on subtle cues when to bow, return chants, when to just change hand positions.
Will post about birthday party that followed on a different post.
As part of the training regimen to prepare for the ceremony it was decided that I would attend a Buddhist holy day in the province. Went to the province a little after daybreak. Tents were up and 2 or 3 cooking pots were already set up and manned by family and neighbors to feed all the gatherers. Offerings were assembled for the monks. Even mother-in-law was there (via photo) for the event.
Chanting was begun by the village wat man, women, followers. Yes, even the dirt road village has its own wat. Around 9 am the monks arrived. Five monks, older head monk, plus four younger monks. The younger monks kept gesturing and whispering about me throughout the ceremony. Family kept watching me, too. Got blessed with holy water multiple times, gave the monk offerings, etc. after about 2 hours, the monks went back to the temple with the offerings. Followers eventually returned home with bags of food, too.
After the ceremony was over, I asked why I was the focus of so many eyes and mouths. I couldn't maintain the sitting prayer position for long periods of time. Sucked at mimicking the Khmer Buddhist chants. Kept bowing before the holy water was flung. (So as to not hit my face and cover my glasses.) Clueless as to went to bow, respond by chanting. Probably a bunch of other transgressions as well.
As for exposure, it was good. Worked on respectful sitting skills. Need more work on picking up on subtle cues when to bow, return chants, when to just change hand positions.
Will post about birthday party that followed on a different post.