In Buddhism, alms or almsgiving is the respect given by a lay Buddhist to a Buddhist monk, nun, spiritually-developed person or other sentient being. It is not charity as presumed by Western interpreters. It is closer to a symbolic connection to the spiritual and to show humbleness and respect in the presence of normal society.[note 1] The visible presence of monks and nuns is a stabilizing influence. The act of alms giving assists in connecting the human to the monk or nun and what he/she represents. Monks receiving alms in Luang Prabang, Laos, 2010.

Young boy playing the Khene. The Khene is a reed musical instrument so loved and readily recognised by the people of Laos that it has become part of their every day life similar to other instrumental terms such as table, chair, food. Many Lao have learned the word "khene" or heard the instrument being played since early childhood, but few know much about its origin or how to play it. However, some Lao scholars have been able to retrace where the word "Khene" came from in the form of legend. It is said that long ago, there was a Lao widow who liked to imitate the birds' songs. One day, she followed the well-known hunters of her village to a hunting expedition into the deep forest which took many weeks. To record this special sound, the widow made a wind instrument using the mouth to blow air into. Napho village, Laos, 2010.

Lao Buddhist are very devout and almost every Lao man joins a monastery, or temple, for at least a short period of time. Many men also become monks for the rest of their lives. Most people donate food to the monks to gain merit and improve their karma. The temples of Laos were once seen as "Universities" for monks. Lao monks are highly respected and revered in Lao communities. These monks living on Mount Phou start the day early, at about five in the morning whan they take to the streets to receive alms. They then return to the temple were they have breakfast. After breakfast they take a few hours to study Geography and English before commencing more spiritual duties. Luang Prabang, Laos, 2010.