Almsround in the Bernese Oberland

At the beginning of this years ‘Rains Retreat’ (Vassa) our resident Thai monk proposed to revive the traditional almsround in two major cities of the Bernese Oberland. In the past some monks had tried to go on almsround after the opening of Dhammapala in 1991, but had given it up soon after. When almsround is practiced within the cultural context of a Western country, what in Thailand or Myanmar is an everyday occurence turns into something like a street performance with audience participation. But nonetheless on Saturday mornings during the warmer summer months two monks went to Bern or Thun (and once also to Brig) for alms. In Western culture there is the risk for monks, that they may be visually registered by passers-by, but that nobody kows the reason for their appearance. So initially there was a sense of uncertainty, when the monks went into the urban environment, because, should nothing be given to them, nothing will be eaten that day! But such concerns soon proved to be without any grounds, as the reactions of the local people were generally very positive. Each time there was enough to eat for the day and in addition always room for a short chat. One time the monk visiting Bern was even received off the platform at the station by some local Thai people, led into a nearby park, showered with gifts and offerings and invited for a picknick. And of course they wanted to know if we would come again the following Saturday…