Making Merit in Thailand - a birthday celebration

Agenda:
- Buddhist practice of Making Merit
- What is Making Merit?
- Thai culture of good deeds for good karma
- Video clips at the temple with the monk
- Praying for deceased family members
- Blessings from the temple - reflection, calm, peace, joy

Making Merit in Thailand - A Birthday Blessing

Hello from the Temple!

In this video, we take a trip to the temple to "make merit" to celebrate my birthday.
Making merit is a common spiritual practice in Thailand, usually performed at a Buddhist temple.

I shoot the video with my good Thai friend, Ang.
She's the mother of two boys and runs the Thai language department of the Lanna International School in Chiang Mai. Lanna is the British International school here.
I consider Ang a spiritual teacher for me.

Here is the link to our video.

Here's our video script:

Ang:
Khob Khun kha, Peter. Sa wat dee kha.

Hi, I’m Ang. I brought Peter to the temple because I wanted him to experience a culture with a different set of beliefs. Peter has such an open heart, he’s curious, respectful, and always willing to embrace new things. It’s something I truly admire about him.

I enjoyed celebrating Peter’s birthday at the temple. I believe he felt a quiet joy that comes from doing something so meaningful. I believe the merit he made will continue to bring him a deep sense of lasting joy.

Peter:
What does it mean to “make merit?”

Ang:
As a Buddhist, to “make merit” means to do good deeds, so we can gain good karma.
In Thai culture, it is a way to bring happiness, peace, and spiritual growth.

Peter:
What do people do when they make merit?

Ang:
We go to temples, offer food to monks, give donations, release animals like birds or fish, and follow Buddhist teachings. These acts, we believe, bring good karma and peace of mind.

Peter:
Why is this important in Thai culture?

Ang:
This is important in Thai culture because it reflects the values, beliefs, and traditions that have been passed down through generations. It helps maintain a sense of identity, unity, and respect within our communities. 

Next, we turn to some video clips from the temple. Here is the voice-over during the video clips:

At the temple – Wat Ton Kwen
The temple where we made merit is called Wat Ton Kwen.
It was built in the mid-1800s, making it relatively young compared to other temples.
Older temples date back to the 13^th century.
Here you see some of the gardens and the ancient brick wall.
The architecture of the buildings comes from the Lanna era kingdom.
Like other temples, it has served as a resting place for relics from Buddha himself (like fragments from his skull or bones).
This temple is an important religious site in Chiang Mai.

Ang and Peter at Buddha statue
Here you can see me and Ang kneeling and praying at one of the many Buddha statues at this temple.
We’re getting ready for our visit with the monk to make merit for my birthday

With the monk for a birthday blessing
Now we are with the monk, you can see me giving him gifts, before he gives his blessings to us.
You can hear him say my name before he prays for my deceased parents and brother.
You see us giving gifts and a donation.
The monk then begins his prayers. You can hear him reading the names of my deceased parents (Milton and Carolyn Pavlina) and my brother (Patrick Pavlina).
The pouring of the water is a form of dedicating the merit to, and honoring, our ancestors. 
At the end of the ceremony, the monk ties a red string around my wrist, a symbol of protection and good fortune.
He then taps my arm, shoulder and side of face with a sprinkler brush made from cogon grass that has been dipped in holy water. 

Conclusion

Peter:
Well, we hope you enjoyed those videos.

Ang:
So, a Thai birthday is a mix of joy, reflection, and meaningful connection.
It’s not just a party, it’s a celebration of life, inside and out.
Birthdays are about giving, showing gratitude, and of course celebrating.
We enjoy time with family and friends.
We eat; we laugh, listen to music, share joy and make memories.

What do you think? Isn’t it a beautiful way to grow older?

Peter:
Yes, it is a beautiful way to grow older.
That day meant a lot to me.
I left the temple feeling a sense of calm, more grounded, more chill.
And I felt more connected to family members - who have passed on.

See the video description for links to:
- Wat Ton Kwen
- Ang's YouTube channel
- Making Merit in Thailand newsletter

Thank you for watching!
Peter

Here is the link to our video.

Here are some additional notes about "making merit:"

What happens when Thais “make merit:” 

• They visit a temple 
• Offering food, goods, or money to monks and temple 
• Light incense and candles 
• Listen to/recite prayers or chants 
• Dedicate merit to deceased loved ones 
• Release animals – symbolic act of compassion and liberation – fish, birds 
• Donating to charity or someone in need 
• Monk ties a red string around the wrist – a symbol of blessing and spiritual protection 

Why do Thais make merit? 

• Honor special occasions – birthdays, weddings, festivals 
• Thanking our parents for giving us life and raising us with love. 
• Spiritual purification – cleanse bad karma, invite good karma 
• Cultivate virtue – morals, integrity, ethics 
• Gain peace of mind – brings clarity, inner peace, emotional comfort 
• Cultural norms – builds community and family bonds 
• Celebrate Thai life – part of various festivals in Thai life, affirms Thai identity  
• Reminder of mindfulness, balance in life