The Offering of Theravada Buddhist Monks: A Case Study of the Giving Practice of the Khruba in Northern Thailand

Abstract

This paper focuses on giving practices of the Khruba (a venerable monk) in Northern Thailand. Previous researches have indicated that monks or temples in Theravada Buddhism have been regarded as fields of merit and monks have played the role of converting money offered by lay people into merit. The offering practices of monks have never been concerned in this assumption. However, this paper analyzes that the Khruba in Chiang Rai province is not only the recipient of offerings but also the giver of them. The activities of the Khruba are supported by urban wealthy people, which makes him possible to engage in various activities to distribute materials or donate money to his village communities in many ways. Considering this case study, it is pointed out that Theravada Buddhist monks can be dual sources of power: fields of merit and sources of supply, which contribute to pursue altruism in the society.