MYANMAR: monasteries

The Kalaywa monastery might have been my favorite stop. 

In Myanmar all men are expected to become a monk at 2 times in their life. Once as a child and once as an adult (usually in 20s). Its seen as a good spiritual education and a privilege. 

This monastery had a separate school for girls as well. Some of whom were orphans but some were sponsored by their families. They sleep, eat and are educated in the monastery. 

They were beautiful, friendly and curious. But didn't talk to us. And you can see that they don't put thanaka on their faces. 

laundry

drinking water

In the morning they walk the streets for morning alms as a chance to let local people make merit with Buddha by making donations of food. 

They have their second and final meal of the day in the mid afternoon. The youngest ones can eat again before bed but they explained that this was an exercise to strengthen the spiritual mind over the body. 

We arrived just as they were lining up for lunch. A huge pot of rice that two men carried over with some curry. 

The boys were just finishing lunch. See their metal lunch boxes and their big black alms bowls. 

The director of the monastery was happy to have us come in and learn. He told us that most of the youngest boys were orphans. One of them slapped his behind and giggled as he walked past. While 3 more ran down the hall. They had over 300 young novices.

Monks need to follow the 5 buddhist precepts - do not kill, steal, or lie, no sexual misconduct, drugs or alcohol. 

Do no evil. Cultivate good. Purify your mind. 

It was amazing to hear this from their teacher and see this big group of boys in front of me. I thought of my own boys at home. And of our schools in America. 

Blurry Burmese graffiti on the lunchroom table.