In Thai Buddhism, the idea of sharing merit—known as “tham bun song khwan” or simply “merit transfer”—acts like sending a care package of good karma to loved ones no longer around. When generous deeds are offered up—whether it’s alms-giving to monks, sponsoring a temple meal, or joining the annual Kathina robe-offering ceremony—those positive intentions don’t just benefit the doer. Intent plays king: the moment someone silently dedicates that merit to a deceased parent or grandparent, it’s as if their good karma is copied and sent along.

Monks become living amplifiers of this transfer. Through chanting suttas and reciting blessings—think of the rhythmic Paritta chants—the sangha helps guide that virtuous energy toward ancestors who might be lingering in unsettled realms or seeking a better rebirth. During major rites—like the 100-day mourning or the first death anniversary—a community gathers, offerings are laid at the altar, and palms are pressed together in wai. Each act is a deliberate nod to impermanence, reminding everyone that love can be carried beyond the grave.

Recent livestreams from Bangkok temples show families nationwide tuning in to dedicate merit from their living rooms—as if karma’s gone digital. Even during Songkran, splashing water over Buddha statues isn’t just festive; it’s a gesture of cleansing and transferring goodwill to those who passed on.

Underlying it all is a gentle reassurance: merit isn’t a zero-sum game. It doesn’t dwindle when shared. Instead, like a rising tide lifting all boats, your good deeds can bolster the spiritual journey of ancestors, helping them find peace or a brighter next life. In this way, the bond between past and present remains alive, a reminder that kindness can outlast a heartbeat.