Kyaiktiyo Paya

The common way to pay respect to a buddhist shrine is to bring or add something of value. Offerings must be bought with purpose. Do not offer anything casually. You can of course always bring money, because money is neutral.
Do not think of offering as paying. You will make merit. And in allowing you to give money, the temple or the monk gives you the opportunity to make merit.
Rubbing gold leaf on an image of the Buddha will make merit. And it is a way of making your vows or prayers stick.

Christmas 1999.