[QUOTE=nathanielnong;4142092]
Quote Originally Posted by Shutree View Post



From what I have learned...



First of all, Tak Bart (offering food to monks) is an original tradition for Buddhists since the beginning and that first happened in (nowadays) India/Nepal the area where Buddha stayed. Around that time, people hardly wore shoes, except those from high class. Since no monks wore shoes (as one of the rules Buddha decrees to be rid of "luxuries"), so to show them faith and respect, people didn't wear shoes when offering food to them. Hence, this has been carried on until today.



It is not a rule and nowadays, the earth is so dirty and dangerous to stand barefooted. So, relaxation happens.


Anyway, as Buddha says "Merit making will be effective when you do it with your mind not your body". Alas, even the strict Buddhists fail to recognize it let alone general ones.

Thanks for asking.
Thank you. Interesting. Over the past few years I have participated in many of the merit making food offerings around Isan and I can say that everyone, always, removes their shoes. That can be in the temple or in the village street or in schools. Maybe Isan people cling to their traditions more strongly.