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  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   People make merit by presenting food to Buddhist monks and novices at the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking037.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   People make merit by presenting food to Buddhist monks and novices at the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking028.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   People make merit by presenting food to Buddhist monks and novices at the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking027.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   People make merit by presenting food to Buddhist monks and novices at the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking036.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   People make merit by presenting food to Buddhist monks and novices at the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking035.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   People make merit by presenting food to Buddhist monks and novices at the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking031.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   People make merit by presenting food to Buddhist monks and novices at the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking030.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   People make merit by presenting food to Buddhist monks and novices at the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking029.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   People make merit by presenting food to Buddhist monks and novices at the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking025.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   People make merit by presenting food to Buddhist monks and novices at the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking024.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  People make merit by presenting offerings to Buddhist monks at Bangkok City Hall. Several thousand people, mostly Bangkok city officials, gathered on the plaza of Bangkok City Hall Wednesday for the traditional New Year merit making ceremony.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking014.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  People make merit by presenting offerings to Buddhist monks at Bangkok City Hall. Several thousand people, mostly Bangkok city officials, gathered on the plaza of Bangkok City Hall Wednesday for the traditional New Year merit making ceremony.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking013.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A child walks between rows of merit makers before a merit making ceremony. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a special merit making ceremony for the protestors.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking001.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  People make merit by presenting offerings to Buddhist monks at Bangkok City Hall. Several thousand people, mostly Bangkok city officials, gathered on the plaza of Bangkok City Hall Wednesday for the traditional New Year merit making ceremony.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking018.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  People make merit by presenting offerings to Buddhist monks at Bangkok City Hall. Several thousand people, mostly Bangkok city officials, gathered on the plaza of Bangkok City Hall Wednesday for the traditional New Year merit making ceremony.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking016.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  People make merit by presenting offerings to Buddhist monks at Bangkok City Hall. Several thousand people, mostly Bangkok city officials, gathered on the plaza of Bangkok City Hall Wednesday for the traditional New Year merit making ceremony.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking015.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Merit makers wait for monks before a merit making ceremony. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a special merit making ceremony for the protestors.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking004.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  People make merit by presenting offerings to Buddhist monks at Bangkok City Hall. Several thousand people, mostly Bangkok city officials, gathered on the plaza of Bangkok City Hall Wednesday for the traditional New Year merit making ceremony.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking017.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People wash monks' feet to make merit during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014040.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People pray and make merit in the chapel housing a footprint of the Buddha before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014001.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People wash monks' feet to make merit during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014039.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People wash monks' feet to make merit during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014032.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Women apply gold leaf to a statue of the Buddha at the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking007.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People wash monks' feet to make merit during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014030.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Buddhist novices walk to the beginning of the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking033.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   People pray during the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking032.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Buddhist novices at the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking026.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Buddhist novices and monks finish the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking023.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Buddhist novices walk to the beginning of the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking021.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   People pray during the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking017.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   People pray during the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking014.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   People pray during the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking013.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   People pray during the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking010.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Buddhist monks chant during the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking009.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking036.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking034.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking033.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking029.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking028.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking027.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking020.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking015.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking013.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking011.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Anti-government protestors sing the Thai national anthem and chant "Long Live the King!" during a special merit making ceremony in the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a special New Year's day merit making ceremony for the protestors.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking009.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking007.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People wait for the annual merit making ceremony to start at Bangkok City Hall. Wat Suthat, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Bangkok is in the background. Several thousand people, mostly Bangkok city officials, gathered on the plaza of Bangkok City Hall Wednesday for the traditional New Year merit making ceremony.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking010.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People wait for the annual merit making ceremony to start at Bangkok City Hall. Wat Suthat, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Bangkok is in the background. Several thousand people, mostly Bangkok city officials, gathered on the plaza of Bangkok City Hall Wednesday for the traditional New Year merit making ceremony.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking008.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Buddhist novices walk to the beginning of the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking034.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Buddhist novices at the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking022.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Buddhist novices walk to the beginning of the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking020.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   People pray during the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking019.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   People pray during the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking018.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   People pray during the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking015.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   People pray during the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking012.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   People pray during the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking011.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Women apply gold leaf to a statue of the Buddha at the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking008.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   People pray during the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking006.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   People prepare for the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year more than 160 monks participated in the event.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking004.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A woman lights incense at the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking003.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A man applies gold leaf to a statue of the Buddha at the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking002.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A man applies gold leaf to a statue of the Buddha at the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking001.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: A man makes merit by releasing birds before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014013.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking035.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking032.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking031.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking030.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: An anti-government protestor prays after giving monks drinking water during a merit making ceremony. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a special New Year's Day merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking025.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking024.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: An anti-government protestor prays after giving monks drinking water during a merit making ceremony. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a special New Year's Day merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking023.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking022.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: An anti-government protestor waits to give Buddhist monks milk and flowers during a merit making ceremony Wednesday. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a special New Year's Day merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking021.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking019.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking018.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking017.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking014.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking012.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Anti-government protestors sing the Thai national anthem and chant "Long Live the King!" during a special merit making ceremony in the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a special New Year's day merit making ceremony for the protestors.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking010.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking008.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking006.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking004.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking003.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking002.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking001.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: An anti-government protestor prays during a special merit making ceremony in the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking005.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A man waits for Buddhist monks while he stands under a Thai flag before a merit making ceremony. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a special merit making ceremony for the protestors.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking003.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A man waits for Buddhist monks while he stands under a Thai flag before a merit making ceremony. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a special merit making ceremony for the protestors.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking002.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  SUKHUMBHAND PARIPATRA, the Governor of Bangkok, presents offerings to Buddhist monks during the merit making ceremony at Bangkok City Hall. Several thousand people, mostly Bangkok city officials, gathered on the plaza of Bangkok City Hall Wednesday for the traditional New Year merit making ceremony.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking012.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People wait for the annual merit making ceremony to start at Bangkok City Hall. Wat Suthat, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Bangkok is in the background. Several thousand people, mostly Bangkok city officials, gathered on the plaza of Bangkok City Hall Wednesday for the traditional New Year merit making ceremony.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking009.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People wait for the annual merit making ceremony to start at Bangkok City Hall. Wat Suthat, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Bangkok is in the background. Several thousand people, mostly Bangkok city officials, gathered on the plaza of Bangkok City Hall Wednesday for the traditional New Year merit making ceremony.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking006.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   People pray during the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking016.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A woman lights incense at the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking005.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: An anti-government protestors wait for Buddhist monks during a merit making ceremony. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a special New Year's Day merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking026.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking016.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Anti-government protestors present Buddhist monks with food, flowers and donations during a merit making ceremony at the protest camp. Thousands of anti-government protestors are camped out at Democracy Monument in central Bangkok protesting against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. The protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, has called for residents of the Thai capital to rise up against Yingluck. He has promised to shut the city of 12 million down in his final push to overthrow the government. About 100 members of the Thailand's Buddhist clergy visited the protest site Wednesday morning for a New Year's Day special merit making ceremony for the protestors.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ProtestorsMeritMaking005.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  SUKHUMBHAND PARIPATRA, the Governor of Bangkok, presents offerings to Buddhist monks during the merit making ceremony at Bangkok City Hall. Several thousand people, mostly Bangkok city officials, gathered on the plaza of Bangkok City Hall Wednesday for the traditional New Year merit making ceremony.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking011.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Flower garlands, used in Buddhist merit making ceremonies, at Bangkok City Hall. Wat Suthat, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Bangkok is in the background. Several thousand people, mostly Bangkok city officials, gathered on the plaza of Bangkok City Hall Wednesday for the traditional New Year merit making ceremony.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking007.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: A man makes merit by releasing birds before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014014.jpg
  • 14 FEBRUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A woman releases a bird to make merit on Makha Bucha Day at Wat That Thong (also called Wat Tad Tong) in Bangkok. The aims of Makha Bucha Day are: not to commit any kind of sins, do only good and purify one's mind. It is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day. The day marks four important events in Buddhism, which happened nine months after the Enlightenment of the Buddha in northern India; 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha that evening without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.”   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBuchaDay0214021.jpg
  • 14 FEBRUARY 2014 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  Thai Buddhists make merit on Makha Bucha Day at Wat That Thong (also called Wat Tad Tong) in Bangkok. The aims of Makha Bucha Day are: not to commit any kind of sins, do only good and purify one's mind. It is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day. The day marks four important events in Buddhism, which happened nine months after the Enlightenment of the Buddha in northern India; 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha that evening without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.”   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBuchaDay0214013.jpg
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Jack Kurtz, Photojournalist & Travel Photographer

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