Wat Pho

This morning I visited Wat Pho, originally named Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkhalaram Ratchaworamahawiharn, which is Bangkok's oldest temple. It also houses original inscriptions of traditional Thai medicine and massage, along with monks that perform massage for a reasonable fee. I shall definitely go back before I leave Bangkok! Since we are students and don the standard university student uniform (white button-up and black skirt), we get in for free even though we are mostly farang (foreigners). Most non-Thai people are expected to pay 50 baht upon entry, and then are encouraged to pay for a tour guide starting at 200 baht. There were a lot Thai and non-Thai people inside the temple grounds, especially near the Reclining Buddha. Young students were dropping 25 satang pieces (about a penny) into bowls that line the inside of the temple. I wasn't sure what to think of how the temple to encourages children to pay as a sign of respect, since they are also making money off of tourists and souvenirs. I am interested in the symbolism behind their donations, as spending money seems to coincide with faith in many ways here. I guess most religious organizations expect some sort of tithing in order to keep structures well staffed and renovated as necessary.