The monks who live in nearby monasteries rely on the compassion of the community to survive. Each morning, they walk through town, stopping at houses and shops to collect alms. The people put rice or other food offerings in their bowls and receive a blessing. They must finish by 11:00 am, and that's all the food they get for the day. Not only does this benefit the monks, but it gives the people the opportunity to show their respect and gain spiritual merit.
There are rules in the monasteries, but it is up to the monk to decide whether or not to follow them. They are subjected to the same kinds of yearnings as everyone else, so it's not uncommon to see a monk catching a ride on a moto, eyeing a trinket in a shop, or watching a bit of t.v.
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