The River of Merit: A Guide to the Sacred Rituals of Cambodian Buddhism

Chapter One: The River of Saffron: The Sacred Art of Morning Alms-Giving In the quiet, silvered light of dawn, before the Cambodian sun begins its ascent, a sacred and timeless ritual unfolds. A silent, flowing river of saffron robes moves through the awakening streets and village paths. This is ** Dak Bat ** (ដាក់បាត្រ), the morning alms-giving, a practice that represents the spiritual and social heartbeat of the Khmer nation. Far more than the simple act of feeding a monk, this daily procession is a profound expression of faith, a cornerstone of the symbiotic relationship between the monastic community (the Sangha) and the laity, and the primary means by which Cambodians cultivate merit to shape their destiny. It is a moment of sublime grace, a physical manifestation of generosity, humility, and the enduring strength of the Buddhist faith. The practice of Dak Bat , or ** Pindabat ** as the procession is known in Pali, dates back to the time of the Buddha himself. It is a living link to the…