The Alms Round

As the monks walked for alms this morning, they happened to encounter a group of Thai monks engaged in the same practice. The first devotees sincerely offered alms to them.

During the journey, Venerable Minh Tuệ often sought additional food for the volunteers—Anh Báu, Anh Hà, Anh Giáp—since they had not yet received the precepts required for almsgiving. The venerable said, "You are not yet ready, so let me seek for you."

Passing through a bustling market, the sight of the monks in saffron robes walking slowly, immersed in the rhythm of life, created a scene of profound beauty and peace.

After the meal, the monks resumed their journey. Today’s path was rough with dirt and stones due to ongoing construction, requiring careful steps. Anh Hà chose to remove his sandals and walk barefoot alongside the monks, embracing the practice of asceticism.

Meaningful Encounters

At noon, some Vietnamese expatriates in Thailand came to pay their respects and wished to hear the monks share the Dharma.

Later in the afternoon, YouTubers had the opportunity to record and interview the monks. Their footage was not just mere images but a bridge, connecting the Dharma to many more people.

Today, Anh Báu shared an amusing story about how Venerable Minh Tuệ’s passport was nearly lost. Despite multiple checks, it was nowhere to be found. Eventually, they sought the help of a fortune teller, who revealed that the passport was deep inside the bag of Kim, the son of Anh Noọng—the person handling the visa process for the group. Due to a small oversight, the passport had slipped into another compartment. Truly, life unfolds in unexpected ways!

A Night Among Fellow Expatriates

Tonight, the group will stay on the land of a Vietnamese family that has lived in Thailand for five generations. As the Lunar New Year approaches, everyone is busy with their own concerns. This year, nearly all the YouTubers have chosen not to return home, dedicating themselves to accompanying the monks through the New Year.

Thanks to the monks, today we learned another profound verse from the Dhammapada:

The fool who knows he is a fool
Is wise to that extent.
But the fool who thinks himself wise,
He is truly the fool indeed.

This verse echoed deeply within us, reminding each person of the importance of humility on the path of wisdom.

Under the gentle moonlight, amidst the land of Thailand, my heart felt at ease…