Monks Blessings in Koh Samui
Monks blessings in Koh Samui for the tourists can be found at the temples on the island. The Monks blessings in Koh Samui are one part of the Buddhist culture. The blessing rituals are performed for different ceremonies and festivals. The Holy threads called Sai Sin are ritualistically tied on Buddha images, places and people. The threads when attached together resemble a spiders web. The significance of tying threads is to bring people and communities together as one. The Monks prayers pass through the threads to everyone and everything attached creating unity.
Bracelet Blessings
Tours around the island include visits to the temples as part of the trip. A small donation of 20baht is customary for a Monks Blessings. The monk blesses you with holy water and prays over you. Whilst praying he taps you gently on both shoulders and your head. The monk ties the white Sai Sin around your wrist wishing you good luck and fortune. The Sai Sin around your wrist should remain for three days in line with the significance of number three.
Not only Buddhists can accept a Sai Sin for others it is seen as a good luck bracelet. Tying a cotton thread around the wrist is a form of hospitality. Refusal of the Sai Sin bracelet is interpreted as a snub. If you are the recipient Accept the string bracelet with a smile and remove the bracelet at a later time. The tradition states you should untie the Sai Sin and not cut the blessed threads.
Ceremonies Monks Blessings
Monks blessings Koh Samui are part of Traditional Thai wedding ceremonies. The bride and groom tie threads around their heads. The relatives tie threads around the wrists of the newly married couple. The crematorium at Thai funerals is encircled with white threads. The significance of encircling the crematorium wishes the deceased protection and good luck in the next life. ‘Keun Baan Mai’ is the ceremony to bless new homes. Monks visit the home offering blessings and prayers. The monks use lustral water to bless the home and inhabitants for prosperity and good luck. At sacred ceremonies called ‘Nam Nom’ lustral water is blessed by monks.
Significance of Three
The Jewels of Buddhism are at the heart of Buddhism Beliefs and practises.
- Buddha – Yellow Jewel
- Dharma – Blue Jewel (teachings)
- Sangha – Red Jewel (monkhood)
Entering a temple or holy site Buddhists bow three times to the Buddha Statue or altar. When the Buddhists bow they place their hands flat on the floor and bring their hands together as they rise. The Buddhists believe that odd numbers and significantly the number three are lucky numbers.
Temple Tours
Koh Samui has numerous temples around the island. Receive a blessing at Wat Kiri Wongkaram the mummified monk located in Taling Ngam. Island tours include a visit to one of the temples on Samui Island. Hire a scooter and visit the temples early morning or late afternoon before the tour buses arrive. The temple is quieter for exploring and taking photographs at your leisure. The Wat Kunaram Temple is popular with organised tours for the Monks Blessings.
Temple Etiquette
Dress appropriately when visiting the temples of Koh Samui. Cover shoulders and knees. Some temples leave wraps and sarongs for visitors to use. Remove your shoes where appropriate. Keep noise levels to minimum respect others praying at the altars and shrines. It is not customary for a female to approach a monk. Do not climb on the statues for photographs. Donations are welcome for the upkeep and restoration of the temples.
Do you have a story to tell about your Sai Sin blessing? What temple would you recommend for a blessing in Koh Samui? Share your temple experiences and leave your comments below.