Hilton Chen
The Novice
A novice monk in Mandalay. Theravada Buddhism is the main religion in Southeast Asia and is embedded into the historical, social and political life of Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. It is expected that young boys and men be ordained, usually before the age of 20 or before being married. It is regarded as a way for him to repay his parents by making merit through ordination. Monks must give up all materialistic possessions and are only allowed to have three robes, a girdle, a bowl for receiving alms, a needle, a razor and a water strainer.
The Novice
A novice monk in Mandalay. Theravada Buddhism is the main religion in Southeast Asia and is embedded into the historical, social and political life of Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. It is expected that young boys and men be ordained, usually before the age of 20 or before being married. It is regarded as a way for him to repay his parents by making merit through ordination. Monks must give up all materialistic possessions and are only allowed to have three robes, a girdle, a bowl for receiving alms, a needle, a razor and a water strainer.