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  • Thai Monk Collecting Alms -  Most activities are carried out on the Mae Klong River or the connecting canals in the Amphawa area. This includes monks traveling from temple to temple, and collecting alms on the morning rounds. The respect given by a lay Buddhist to a Buddhist monk or nun is not charity as presumed by Westerners but it is closer to a symbolic connection showing humility and respect. The presence of so Buddhist monks is a stabilizing influence in Thai society and the act of alms giving assists in connecting lay people to the monk and what he represents.
    amphawa-alms-1.jpg
  • Wat Pan Tao meaning "to increase 1,000 times." The temple was built in the late fourteenth century and was one of four monastic temples serving the royal temple next door: Wat  Chedi Luang.. The temple's most interesting feature is its teak  wooden wiharn, which was formerly a royal residence but the practice in Lanna was for each new king to built a new palace. The old palaces were often 'recycled' into other uses, especially in temples. Over the main entry door on the east end of the chapel is a large gilded wood carving depicting a peacock flanked by several other animals, some of which are mythical. The peacock was the symbol of the kings of Chiang Mai; this carving has appeared on stamps and other materials celebrating Chiang Mai's 700th anniversary.
    wat-pan-tao-6.jpg
  • Like most temples in Thailand, Wat Pantao also serves as a school for novice monks.  Not only do temples in Thailand offer school instruction, but serve as neighborhood community centers as well.
    wat-pan-tao-1.jpg
  • Thai Monk Collecting Alms - Most activities are carried out on the Mae Klong River or the connecting canals in the Amphawa area. This includes monks traveling from temple to temple, and collecting alms on the morning rounds. The respect given by a lay Buddhist to a Buddhist monk or nun is not charity as presumed by Westerners but it is closer to a symbolic connection showing humility and respect. The presence of so Buddhist monks is a stabilizing influence in Thai society and the act of alms giving assists in connecting lay people to the monk and what he represents.
    amphawa-alms-3.jpg
  • Nearly all Burmese boys become novice monks usually between the ages of 10 and 20.  All things that may be possessed by novice monks must be offered by the community.  The only things allowed to keep are robes, a cup, an umbrella and an alms bowl.
    burmese-monk.jpg
  • Fire ceremony at Ekoin in Koya-san. Goma taki involves burning wooden plaques with prayers written on them as monks chant. Guests are asked to write their wishes on wooden plaques to be burned in the fire to burn away  excess desires; and to achieve a simple life. Fire destroys negative energies and purifies the mind, body and spirit. The fire burning ceremony is unique to the Shingon sect of Buddhism.
    koyasan-fire-ceremony-2.jpg
  • Friendly Buddhist monk playing with his dog on the grounds of Bayon, Angkor Thom.
    cambodian-monk-1.jpg
  • Most activities are carried out on the Mae Klong River or the connecting canals in the Amphawa area. This includes monks traveling from temple to temple and even collecting alms by boat.  Boats and waterways are still a way of life in this area, only two hours by train or car from Bangkok.
    amphawa-alms-2.jpg
  • Thai Monk Collecting Alms - Most activities are carried out on the Mae Klong River or the connecting canals in the Amphawa area. This includes monks traveling from temple to temple, and collecting alms on the morning rounds. The respect given by a lay Buddhist to a Buddhist monk or nun is not charity as presumed by Westerners but it is closer to a symbolic connection showing humility and respect. The presence of so Buddhist monks is a stabilizing influence in Thai society and the act of alms giving assists in connecting lay people to the monk and what he represents.
    amphawa-alms-5.jpg
  • Friendly Buddhist monk playing with his dog on the grounds of Bayon, Angkor Thom.
    cambodian-monk-2.jpg
  • Many Japanese Buddhist monks make their pilgrimage to Koyasan as well as the many other "henro" or white-clad pilgrims making their way from temple to temple.  Though the most famous trail in Japan is around Shikoku Island's 88 temples, Koya-san is another hot spot.
    japanese-monks-1.jpg
  • Buddhism originated in India and spread worldwide. Today there are many different sects that have evolved from the two main branches of Buddhism. Koyasan Shingon Buddhism is one of the eighteen schools in Shingon Sect of Japanese Buddhism..Koyasan holds two major holy areas that essential to the doctrines of Shingon Buddhism. One is Okunoin, the heart of the faith, where the Mausoleum of Kobo Daishi is enshrined. The other is Danjo Garan, the precinct for religious practices. The doctrines and the tradition of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism are still carried on in this sacred mountain in the same ways that they did since 816.
    japanese-monks-2.jpg
  • Many Japanese Buddhist monks make their pilgrimage to Koyasan as well as the many other "henro" or white-clad pilgrims making their way from temple to temple.  Though the most famous trail in Japan is around Shikoku Island's 88 temples, for many pilgrims Koya-san is the final stop.
    japanese-monks-1.jpg
  • Buddhism originated in India and spread worldwide. Today there are many different sects that have evolved from the two main branches of Buddhism. Koyasan Shingon Buddhism is one of the eighteen schools in Shingon Sect of Japanese Buddhism..Koyasan holds two major holy areas that essential to the doctrines of Shingon Buddhism. One is Okunoin, the heart of the faith, where the Mausoleum of Kobo Daishi is enshrined. The other is Danjo Garan, the precinct for religious practices. The doctrines and the tradition of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism are still carried on in this sacred mountain in the same ways that they did since 816.
    japanese-monks-2.jpg
  • Adjacent to Wat Mahathat is Bangkok's biggest amulet market, where a fantastic array of religious amulets, charms, talismans and traditional medicine is sold..Here hundreds buyers and sellers squat on the ground, studying tiny images of the Buddha with magnifying glasses, hoping to find one that will bring good fortune or ward off evil. Each type of amulet brings a specific kind of luck: to get the girl, to pass your exams, to keep bugs out of your rice stock, or to ward off diseases or even your mother-in-law.
    bangkok-amulet-market-2.jpg
  • Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery in Nyaung Shwe near Inle Lake is a wooden monastery with unique red painted teak wood punctuated with oval windows.  The temple is richly decorated with mosaics and golden ornaments. The unique oval windows at this teak monastery serves as a school for young Burmese novice monks.
    Shwe-Yan-Pyay-4.jpg
  • Marking the beginning of the three month Buddhist Lent,  monks go on retreat during this time to practice meditation.  To mark the beginning of this period, many temples organize offerings of giant candles to the monks, while other temples have processions where worshippers offer flowers. The classic flower offered is "dancing lady ginger" globba winitti.
    buddhist-lent-05.jpg
  • Wat Pan Tao meaning "to increase 1,000 times." The temple was built in the late fourteenth century and was one of four monastic temples serving the royal temple next door: Wat  Chedi Luang.. The temple's most interesting feature is its teak  wooden wiharn, which was formerly a royal residence but the practice in Lanna was for each new king to built a new palace. The old palaces were often 'recycled' into other uses, especially in temples. Over the main entry door on the east end of the chapel is a large gilded wood carving depicting a peacock flanked by several other animals, some of which are mythical. The peacock was the symbol of the kings of Chiang Mai; this carving has appeared on stamps and other materials celebrating Chiang Mai's 700th anniversary.
    wat-pan-tao-5.jpg
  • Nearly all Burmese boys become novice monks usually between the ages of 10 and 20.  All things possessed by novice monks must be offered by the community.  The only things allowed to keep are robes, a cup, an umbrella and an alms bowl.
    burmese-monks-1.jpg
  • Chanting Novice Monks at Wat Pan Tao - meaning "to increase 1,000 times." The temple was built in the late fourteenth century and was one of four monastic temples serving the royal temple next door: Wat  Chedi Luang.. The temple's most interesting feature is its teak  wooden wiharn, which was formerly a royal residence but the practice in Lanna was for each new king to built a new palace. The old palaces were often 'recycled' into other uses, especially in temples. Over the main entry door on the east end of the chapel is a large gilded wood carving depicting a peacock flanked by several other animals, some of which are mythical. The peacock was the symbol of the kings of Chiang Mai; this carving has appeared on stamps and other materials celebrating Chiang Mai's 700th anniversary.
    wat-pan-tao-3.jpg
  • Wat Doi Suthep - or its official name Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is a Theravada Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The temple is often referred to as simply "Doi Suthep" although this is actually the name of the mountain it is located on. The temple is a sacred site to many Thai people.
    doi-suthep-3.jpg
  • Nearly all Burmese boys become novice monks usually between the ages of 10 and 20.  All things possessed by novice monks must be offered by the community.  The only things allowed to keep are robes, a cup, an umbrella and an alms bowl.
    burmese-monks-2.jpg
  • 52.5 Ceremonies at Ekoin 恵光院 a temple with accommodation facilities called shukubo for pilgrims and visitors.  Such temples encourage guests to experience Japanese culture.  Koyasan is one of the best places to experience a temple stay in Japan.  Ekoin has morning prayer services and fire burning ceremonies that visitors can observe.
    52.5.KII-KOYASAN-05.jpg
  • Monks Collecting Alms - the respect given by a lay Buddhist to a Buddhist monk or nun is not charity as presumed by Western eyes but closer to a symbolic connection to the spiritual showing humility and respect.  The presence of so many Buddhist monks is a stabilizing influence in Lao society and the act of alms-giving helps connects lay people to the monk.
    luang-prabang-alms-1.jpg
  • Monks at Khao Wang - Phra Nakhon Khiri is a historical park in Phetchaburi located on a hill overlooking the city. The name Phra Nakhon Khiri means Holy City Hill, but locals know it better as Khao Wang, meaning hill with palace.  The park consists of three building groups, located on the three peaks of the 92 meter high hill. On the western peak is the actual palace with adjoining structures. The middle or central peak is a big chedi named Phra That Chom Phet. The eastern peak houses the Wat Phra Kaeo, the royal temple, built in similar fashion to the Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok. The whole complex was built as a summer palace by King Mongkut, with construction finished in 1860. The site was registered as a historical park on August 27, 1979, with two of the palace buildings now housing a branch of the Thai National Museum.Ho Chatchawan Wiang Chai was used as an observatory.
    khao-wang-monks-1.jpg
  • In almost all Japanese homes, temples and restaurants, one can find fusuma, which slide from side to side to redefine spaces within a room, and also act as doors. They typically measure about the same size as a tatami mat, and are two or three centimeters thick. They consist of a wooden frame, covered in cardboard and a layer of paper. They typically have a black lacquer border and an indented door handle. Historically, fusuma were painted, often with scenes from nature such as mountains, forests or animals.
    fusuma-5.jpg
  • Wat Sri Suphan is a learning center not only for Buddhism but for silver, silverware and silver art.  Its goal is to train a new generation of craftsmen and silversmiths for the Wualai Road area of Chiang Mai, long associated with silver and silversmiths.   The community is well known for its traditional silverware, in Chiang Mai and all of Thailand.  Wat Sri Suphan, is the center for the silver industry of Chiang Mai and a central part of the community.
    wat-sri-suphan-silversmith-1.jpg
  • Wat Sri Suphan is a learning center not only for Buddhism but for silver, silverware and silver art.  Its goal is to train a new generation of craftsmen and silversmiths for the Wualai Road area of Chiang Mai, long associated with silver and silversmiths.   The community is well known for its traditional silverware, in Chiang Mai and all of Thailand.  Wat Sri Suphan, is the center for the silver industry of Chiang Mai and a central part of the community.
    wat-sri-suphan-silversmith-2.jpg
  • Fire ceremony at Ekoin in Koya-san. There are temples and shrines that have accommodation facilities called shukubo in Japan that attract attention not only as places to stay, but as places that let you experience Japanese culture.  Koya-san is one of the best places to experience a temple stay in Japan.  Ekoin is one of the most popular temples for this for foreign visitors.  One reason is that most of the young monks speak English, and Ekoin is well accustomed to foreign visitors.  Also Ekoin has morning prayer services and fire burning ceremonies that visitors can observe.
    koyasan-fire-ceremony-2.jpg
  • Thai Monk Collecting Alms -  Most activities are carried out on the Mae Klong River or the connecting canals in the Amphawa area. This includes monks traveling from temple to temple, and collecting alms on the morning rounds. The respect given by a lay Buddhist to a Buddhist monk or nun is not charity as presumed by Westerners but it is closer to a symbolic connection showing humility and respect. The presence of so Buddhist monks is a stabilizing influence in Thai society and the act of alms giving assists in connecting lay people to the monk and what he represents.
    amphawa-alms-4.jpg
  • Buddhism is the primary religion of Laos. The Buddhism practiced in Laos is of the Theravada tradition. Lao Buddhism is a unique version of Theravada Buddhism and is at the basis of Lao culture. Buddhism in Laos is often closely tied to animist beliefs and belief in ancestral spirits, particularly in rural areas
    lao-monk-8.jpg
  • Chanting Thai Monks at Wat Lok Moli - Traditionally many young Thai boys would become novice monks as a way for them to receive an education, especially in rural areas. As well as having a secular education, Nowadays most novice monks that you see in temples are boys who are orphans or their parents cannot afford to raise them.   However, most novices from all types of families and economic backgrounds do a stint for short period of time usually a few months.
    thai-monks-chanting-3.jpg
  • Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery in Nyaung Shwe near Inle Lake is a wooden monastery with unique red painted teak wood oval windows.  The temple is richly decorated with mosaics and golden ornaments. The unique oval windows at this teak monastery serves as a school for young Burmese novice monks.
    Shwe-Yan-Pyay-9.jpg
  • Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery in Nyaung Shwe near Inle Lake is a wooden monastery with unique red painted teak wood oval windows.  The temple is richly decorated with mosaics and golden ornaments. The unique oval windows at this teak monastery serves as a school for young Burmese novice monks.
    Shwe-Yan-Pyay-8.jpg
  • Morning Prayer Drums -  Koyasan is one of the best places to experience a temple stay in Japan.  Ekoin is one of the most suitable temples for this for foreign visitors as the young monks speak English, and due to the high cost, guests can opt out of meals as a way to save on their bill.
    koyasan-morning-prayers-4.jpg
  • Ban Baat is the only remaining village of three established in Bangkok by Rama I for the purpose of handcrafting bàht (monk’s bowls), the ceremonial bowls used to collect alms from the faithful each morning. As cheaper factory-made bowls are now the norm, the artisanal tradition has shrunk to about half a dozen families. You can usually observe the process of hammering the bowls together from eight separate pieces of steel, said to represent Buddhism’s Eightfold Path.
    monk-bowl-village-17.jpg
  • Tibetan Monks Bodhnath Temple Kora - Boudhnath stupa is the largest in Nepal. Its massive white dome looms over concentric ascending terraces. There are 108 images of the Buddha set around the base of the stupa. Tibetan Buddhist monastery is headquartered here and a large Tibetan community resides in the area, who make their daily "kora" circling the stupa, twirling prayer wheels as they pass.  UNESCO has declared Bouddhanath a World Heritage Site.
    Bodhnath-Temple-Kora-3.jpg
  • Chanting at morning prayers - Koya-san is one of the best places to experience a temple stay in Japan.  Ekoin is one of the most popular temples for this for foreign visitors.  One reason is that most of the young monks speak English, and Ekoin is well accustomed to foreign visitors.  Also Ekoin has morning prayer services and fire burning ceremonies that visitors can observe.
    koyasan-morning-prayers-1.jpg
  • Japanese Calligraphy Lesson at Taizo-in well-known for opening its doors to visitors and casual tourists in order to teaching Zen Buddhism, including "Zen Experience" visits which include calligraphy sessions, tea ceremony, and a vegetarian lunch called shojin ryori - a special gourmet assortment of vegetarian dishes.
    japanese-calligraphy-2.jpg
  • Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery in Nyaung Shwe near Inle Lake is a wooden monastery with unique red painted teak wood oval windows.  The temple is richly decorated with mosaics and golden ornaments. The unique oval windows at this teak monastery serves as a school for young Burmese novice monks.
    Shwe-Yan-Pyay-6.jpg
  • Marking the beginning of the three month Buddhist Lent,  monks go on retreat during this time to practice meditation.  To mark the beginning of this period, many temples organize offerings of giant candles to the monks, while other temples have processions where worshippers offer flowers. The classic flower offered is "dancing lady ginger" globba winitti.
    buddhist-lent-12.jpg
  • Monks at Wat Phra Pathom  -  At 120 meters this massive brick stupa is the largest in the world. It also claims to being Thailand's oldest Buddhist temple, dating back to the 6th century, although the present structure is mostly the handiwork of King Mongkut and his successors. The stupa is said to house a relic of the Buddha, but you can circumambulate the chedi in the inner courtyard.  The temple is officially called Phra Pathommachedi and is located in the town of Nakhon Pathom. The name Phra Pathommachedi means Holy Chedi of the Beginning.
    wat-phra-nakhon-10.jpg
  • Nearly all Burmese boys become novice monks usually between the ages of 10 and 20.  All things possessed by novice monks must be offered by the community.  The only things allowed to keep are robes, a cup, an umbrella and an alms bowl.
    burmese-monks-alms-3.jpg
  • Marking the beginning of the three month Buddhist Lent,  monks go on retreat during this time to practice meditation.  To mark the beginning of this period, many temples organize offerings of giant candles to the monks, while other temples have processions where worshippers offer flowers. The classic flower offered is "dancing lady ginger" globba winitti.
    buddhist-lent-11.jpg
  • Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery in Nyaung Shwe near Inle Lake is a wooden monastery with unique red painted teak wood oval windows.  The temple is richly decorated with mosaics and golden ornaments. The unique oval windows at this teak monastery serves as a school for young Burmese novice monks.
    Shwe-Yan-Pyay-5.jpg
  • Young Novice Collecting Alms - In Buddhism, giving alms is a show of respect given by a lay Buddhist to a Buddhist monk. It is not charity as presumed by Western eyes. It is closer to a symbolic connection to the spiritual and to show humility and respect.  The visible presence of monks is a stabilizing influence in Lao society. The act of alms giving connects lay people to monks, what he represents and to Buddhism itself.
    lao-monk-6.jpg
  • Banging the temple drums -  Lao Buddhism is a unique version of Theravada Buddhism and is at the very basis of Lao culture. Buddhism in Laos is often closely tied to animist beliefs and belief in ancestral spirits, particularly in rural areas.
    lao-monks-1.jpg
  • Novice monk serving temple food or Shojin Ryori, vegetarian cuisine at its finest consisting of pickled, seasonal vegetables, a variety of tofu dishes artfully arranged on lacquerware.  Staying in a temple overnight, especially in Koyasan, is one of the best ways to get to know Japanese culture.  Part of this is experiencing "shojin ryori"
    shojin-ryori-4.jpg
  • Chanting Ceremony - Often performed for weddings and other auspicious occasions as a part of the Buddhist tradition in Laos.  Lao Buddhism is a unique version of Theravada Buddhism and is at the basis of Lao culture. Buddhism in Laos is often closely tied to animist beliefs and belief in ancestral spirits, particularly in rural areas.
    buddhist-chanting.jpg
  • Morning Prayer Drums -  Koyasan is one of the best places to experience a temple stay in Japan.  Ekoin is one of the most popular temples for this for foreign visitors.  One reason is that most of the young monks speak English, and Ekoin is well accustomed to foreign visitors.  Also Ekoin has morning prayer services and fire burning ceremonies that visitors can observe.
    koyasan-morning-prayers-4.jpg
  • Taizo-in, one of the many sub-temples at Myoshinji Temple, is well-known for its spectacular Japanese gardens but also for opening its doors to visitors and casual tourists in order to teaching Zen Buddhism, including "Zen Experience" visits which include calligraphy sessions, tea ceremony, and a vegetarian lunch called shojin ryori - a special gourmet assortment of vegetarian dishes.
    taizo-in-18.jpg
  • Temple School at Wat Siphoutthabat -  Lao Buddhism is a unique version of Theravada Buddhism and is at the basis of Laotian culture. Buddhism in Laos is often closely tied to animistic beliefs as well as ancestral spirits, particularly in rural areas.  Nearlly all Lao young men become novice monks for a short period in their lives as a part of their upbringing and coming-of-age. Many temples in Laos serve as schools, such as this one.
    temple-school.jpg
  • Debating Monks at Sera Monastery - One of the striking features of Tibetan monk debates is that they are quite physical. They are marked by emphatic gestures such as the loud clapping of hands used by the questioner to punctuate each question.  These gestures have great symbolic value though debaters are rarely aware of such symbolic meanings, at the time. For them, the clapping and gestures  bring them a clarity that can help mobilize the intellectual capacities of the debaters and capture the attention of the audience.
    debating-tibetan-monks-3.jpg
  • Monk Going Online - Even the clergy has to keep in touch with the rest of the world and Laotian monks are certainly no exception, especially when most temples usually double as schools in Laos.
    lao-monk-2.jpg
  • Young Japanese novice monk with cymbols during morning prayers at Ekoin, where visitors can observe and experience Zen Buddhism at Koyasan.
    koyasan-morning-prayers-2.jpg
  • Chanting Thai Monks at Wat Lok Moli - Traditionally many young Thai boys would become novice monks as a way for them to receive an education, especially in rural areas. As well as having a secular education, Nowadays most novice monks that you see in temples are boys who are orphans or their parents cannot afford to raise them.   However, most novices from all types of families and economic backgrounds do a stint for short period of time usually a few months.
    thai-monks-chanting.jpg
  • Monks chanting at Daikakuji - an Esoteric Buddhism temple in Saga, Kyoto that was once the villa of Emperor Saga. Monks encircle the pond and temple precincts, chanting at each respective stage.  The temple inherited the beliefs of the monk Kukai also known as Kobo-Daishi.  Also, a school of ikebana, the Saga Goryu, maintains its headquarters in the temple.
    daikakuji-3.jpg
  • Ninnaji Temple Monks - Ninnaji is one of Kyoto's most interesting temples with a large variety of extraordinary buildings & gardens on its spacious grounds. Among the numerous buildings on the grounds are elegant palace style buildings surrounded by beautiful Japanese gardens, a five storied pagoda, various temple halls, a massive entrance gate, bell tower and tea houses.  It was the first imperial temple in Kyoto and  now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    ninnaji-3.jpg
  • Young Japanese novice monk with cymbols during morning prayers at Ekoin, where visitors can observe and experience Zen Buddhism at Koyasan.
    koyasan-morning-prayers-2.jpg
  • Debating Monks at Sera Monastery - One of the striking features of Tibetan monk debates is that they are quite physical. They are marked by emphatic gestures such as the loud clapping of hands used by the questioner to punctuate each question.  These gestures have great symbolic value though debaters are rarely aware of such symbolic meanings, at the time. For them, the clapping and gestures  bring them a clarity that can help mobilize the intellectual capacities of the debaters and capture the attention of the audience.
    debating-tibetan-monks-2.jpg
  • Cambodian Buddhist monks taking in the fresh air along Sisowath Quay in Phnom Penh.  The riverfront road is lined with dozens of restaurants and bars offering curbside seating and a range of hotels and guesthouses, some with riverside views.
    sisowath-quay-1.jpg
  • Monks at Wat Phra Pathom - At 120 meters this massive brick stupa is the largest in the world. It also claims to being Thailand's oldest Buddhist temple, dating back to the 6th century, although the present structure is mostly the handiwork of King Mongkut and his successors. The stupa is said to house a relic of the Buddha, but you can circumambulate the chedi in the inner courtyard. The temple is officially called Phra Pathommachedi and is located in the town of Nakhon Pathom. The name Phra Pathommachedi means Holy Chedi of the Beginning.
    wat-phra-nakhon-08.jpg
  • Monks at Khao Wang - Thai Monks climbing Khao Wang Hill - Phra Nakhon Khiri is a historical park in Phetchaburi located on a hill overlooking the city. Phra Nakhon Khiri means "Holy City Hill" but locals know it better as Khao Wang, meaning hill with palace.  The park consists of three building groups, located on the three peaks of the 92 meter high hill. On the western peak is the actual palace with adjoining structures. The middle or central peak is a big chedi named Phra That Chom Phet. The eastern peak houses the Wat Phra Kaeo, the royal temple, built in similar fashion to the Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok. The whole complex was built as a summer palace by King Mongkut, with construction finished in 1860. The site was registered as a historical park on August 27, 1979, with two of the palace buildings now housing a branch of the Thai National Museum.Ho Chatchawan Wiang Chai was used as an observatory.
    khao-wang-monks.jpg
  • Boun Awk Phansa  is a day of celebrations, most notably the boat races held along the Mekong River.   On the first day at dawn, donations and offerings are made at temples around the country and in the evening candlelight processions are held around the temples before the big races held in Vientiane and Pakse along hte Mekong.
    pakse-boat-races.jpg
  • At the East side of Old Bagan is Tharabar Gate, the best preserved remains of the 9th century wall surrounding the former original palace site.  The arched gateway has two niches which guard the gate and house Burmese nat, who guard the gate and are treated with profound respect by the locals.  One the left is Lady Golden Face and on the Right is her brother Lord Handsome.
    tharabar-gate-1.jpg
  • Sri Lankan Buddhist Monk - Buddhism in Sri Lanka is primarily of the Theravada school, and constitutes the religious faith of about 70% of the population.  According to traditional Sri Lankan chronicles Buddhism was introduced into Sri Lanka in the 2nd century BCE by Venerable Mahinda, the son of the Emperor Ashoka, during the reign of Sri Lanka's King Devanampiyatissa. During this time, a sapling of the Bodhi Tree was brought to Sri Lanka and the first monasteries were established under the sponsorship of the Sri Lankan king.
    sri-lankan-monk.jpg
  • Novice Monk on Footbridge
    chiang-mai-images-16.jpg
  • Debating Monks at Sera Monastery - One of the striking features of Tibetan monk debates is that they are quite physical. They are marked by emphatic gestures such as the loud clapping of hands used by the questioner to punctuate each question.  These gestures have great symbolic value though debaters are rarely aware of such symbolic meanings, at the time. For them, the clapping and gestures  bring them a clarity that can help mobilize the intellectual capacities of the debaters and capture the attention of the audience.
    debating-tibetan-monks-1.jpg
  • Tibetan Monks having a chat on the streets of Lhasa at Barkhor Square
    tibetan-monks-1.jpg
  • Temple School Novice Monks at Wat Siphoutthabat - Most male Lao youths spend time in a temple or monastery, before becoming adults.   The Buddhism practiced in Laos is of the Theravada tradition,  a  version of Theravada Buddhism and the foundation of Lao culture.
    lao-monk-1.jpg
  • Novice Ringing the Temple Bell -  The type of Buddhism practiced in Laos is a unique version of Theravada Buddhism which is at the basis of Lao culture. Buddhism in Laos is often tied to animist beliefs and in ancestral spirits.  It is usual for most Lao boys to go into a temple for a period of time, usually a month or six weeks at least, before adulthood.
    lao-monk-7.jpg
  • Novice Banging the Temple Bell at Wat Siphoutthabat - Buddhism is the primary religion of Laos. The Buddhism practiced in Laos is of the Theravada tradition. Lao Buddhism is a unique version of Theravada Buddhism and is at the basis of Lao culture. Buddhism in Laos is often closely tied to animist beliefs and belief in ancestral spirits, particularly in rural areas
    lao-monk-4.jpg
  • Alms Bowl - In Buddhism, alms is a part of the respect given by a lay Buddhist to a Buddhist monk or nun. It is not charity as presumed by Western eyes. It is closer to a symbolic connection to the spiritual and to show humility and respect.  The visible presence of monks and nuns is a stabilizing influence in Lao society. The act of alms giving assists in connects lay people to the monk and what he represents.
    alms-bowl.jpg
  • Monk Attending Buddhist Alter - Buddhism is the primary religion of Laos. The Buddhism practiced in Laos is of the Theravada tradition. Lao Buddhism is a unique version of Theravada Buddhism and is at the basis of Lao culture. Buddhism in Laos is often closely tied to animist beliefs and belief in ancestral spirits, particularly in rural areas
    lao-monk-9.jpg
  • Japanese Zen Monks at Daitokuji Temple.  The schools of Zen that currently exist in Japan are the Soto, Rinzai, and Obaku. Of these, Soto is the largest and Obaku the smallest. Rinzai is itself divided into several subschools based on temple affiliation, including Myoshin-ji, Nanzen-ji, Tenryu-ji, Daitoku-ji, and Tofuku-ji.  These monks are entering Daitoku-ji Temple in Kyoto.
    zen-monk-3.jpg
  • Japanese Monk at Daitokuji  - The schools of Zen that currently exist in Japan are the Soto, Rinzai, and Obaku. In the year 1410 a Zen Buddhist monk from Nanzenji, a large temple complex in Kyoto wrote out a landscape poem and had a painting done of the scene described by the poem. Then, following the prevailing custom of his day, he gathered responses to the images by asking prominent fellow monks and government officials to inscribe it, thereby creating a shigajiku poem and painting scroll. Such scrolls emerged as a preeminent form of elite Japanese culture in the last two decades of the fourteenth century, a golden age in the phenomenon now known as Japanese Zen culture
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  • Sera Monastery is one of the most important Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet.  Sera housed more than 5,000 monks in 1959 though few remain today. Although badly damaged following the invasion of Tibet and the Cultural Revolution, it is still standing and has been largely repaired.
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  • Boudhnath stupa is the largest in Nepal. Its massive white dome looms over concentric ascending terraces. There are 108 images of the Buddha set around the base of the stupa. Tibetan Buddhist monasteries are scattered all around and a large Tibetan community resides in the area, who make their daily "kora" circling the stupa, twirling prayer wheels as they pass.  UNESCO has declared Bouddhanath a World Heritage Site.
    Bodhnath-Temple-Kora-1.jpg
  • In Buddhism, alms or giving alms is the respect given by a lay Buddhist to a Buddhist monk or nun. It is not charity as presumed by Western eyes. It is closer to a symbolic connection to the spiritual and to show humility and respect.  The visible presence of monks and nuns is a stabilizing influence in Lao society. The act of alms giving assists in connects lay people to the monk and what he represents.
    luang-prabang-alms-2.jpg
  • Chanting Thai Monks at Wat Lok Moli - Traditionally many young Thai boys would become novice monks as a way for them to receive an education, especially in rural areas. As well as having a secular education, Nowadays most novice monks that you see in temples are boys who are orphans or their parents cannot afford to raise them.   However, most novices from all types of families and economic backgrounds do a stint for short period of time usually a few months.
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  • The Yangon River is also known as the Hlaing River.   As for the monks, nearly all Burmese boys become novice monks usually between the ages of 10 and 20.  All things possessed by novice monks must be offered by the community.  The only things allowed to keep are robes, a cup, an umbrella and an alms bowl.
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  • Novice monk serving temple food or Shojin Ryori, vegetarian cuisine at its finest consisting of pickled, seasonal vegetables, a variety of tofu dishes artfully arranged on lacquerware.  Staying in a temple overnight, especially in Koyasan, is one of the best ways to get to know Japanese culture.  Part of this is experiencing "shojin ryori"
    shojin-ryori-4.jpg
  • Young Lao novice monk adjusting his cap - Buddhism is the primary religion of Laos.  Lao Buddhism is a unique version of Theravada Buddhism and is at the basis of Lao culture. Buddhism in Laos is often closely tied to animist beliefs and belief in ancestral spirits, particularly in rural areas
    lao-monk-5.jpg
  • In Buddhism, alms or giving alms is the respect given by a lay Buddhist to a Buddhist monk or nun. It is not charity as presumed by Western eyes. It is closer to a symbolic connection to the spiritual and to show humility and respect.  The visible presence of monks and nuns is a stabilizing influence in Lao society. The act of alms giving assists in connects lay people to the monk and what he represents.
    luang-prabang-alms-3.jpg
  • 52.5 Ceremonies at Ekoin 恵光院 a temple with accommodation facilities called shukubo for pilgrims and visitors.  Such temples encourage guests to experience Japanese culture.  Koyasan is one of the best places to experience a temple stay in Japan.  Ekoin has morning prayer services and fire burning ceremonies that visitors can observe.
    52.5.KII-KOYASAN-06.jpg
  • Tibetan Novice Monks taking a break from their kora circumnavigation at Barkhor Square.
    tibetan-monks-3.jpg
  • Playful Novice Monks - emple School Novice Monks - Buddhism is the primary religion of Laos. The Buddhism practiced in Laos is of the Theravada tradition. Lao Buddhism is a unique version of Theravada Buddhism and is at the basis of Lao culture. Buddhism in Laos is often closely tied to animist beliefs and belief in ancestral spirits, particularly in rural areas
    lao-monks-3.jpg
  • Playful Novice Monks - emple School Novice Monks - Buddhism is the primary religion of Laos. The Buddhism practiced in Laos is of the Theravada tradition. Lao Buddhism is a unique version of Theravada Buddhism and is at the basis of Lao culture. Buddhism in Laos is often closely tied to animist beliefs and belief in ancestral spirits, particularly in rural areas
    lao-monks-4.jpg
  • Lao novice monk adjusting his robes at Wat That Noi in Luang Prabang. Buddhism practiced in Laos is a unique version of Theravada Buddhism and is at the root of Lao culture. Buddhism in Laos is often closely tied to animist beliefs and belief in ancestral spirits, particularly in rural areas.
    lao-monk-3.jpg
  • Wat Siphoutthabat, Banging a Gong -   Buddhism  in Laos is a unique version of Theravada Buddhism and is at the very basis of Lao culture. Buddhism in Laos is often closely tied to animist beliefs and belief in ancestral spirits, particularly in rural areas.
    lao-monks-2.jpg