Known as an actress who loves visiting temples to make merit, Bella Ranee recently returned from a merit-making event raising the roof finial of a new ubosot in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, together with fellow merit-makers. She said this was her intention after contributing last year. She also shared tips for Buddhists to make merit mindfully, choosing actions that bring peace of mind.
On the 21st, the day after an event, I had the chance to attend the roof finial raising ceremony at Wat Maheyong. Initially, I wasn’t going to be available. I had already contributed last year, and recently the temple informed us that they were ready for the ceremony. At first, I was busy filming, but the shoot was canceled, so I could attend. I usually contribute regularly, mostly with trusted friends who have been temple devotees for a long time. The abbot intends to build a ubosot in an ancient style resembling a traditional Chinese junk sail, which no longer exists in Thailand. The goal is to create a heritage for future generations to see this kind of ubosot, so I wanted to support it.
Currently, I contribute to temples I regularly support, along with people I know who have been vetted, or to my mother’s hometown temple, which I’ve seen and supported since I was a child. But I don’t limit myself to temples; I also contribute to schools and hospitals. I believe this has an impact. Some who intend to make merit might hesitate now, which is understandable. I recommend checking carefully and prioritizing your peace of mind. Don’t make merit and then worry afterward. Personally, I am cautious—not overly suspicious—but I consider what is appropriate and don’t join every invitation.
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