Burma / Myanmar: Young boy riding a horse and dressed in fine silks to symbolise Prince Siddhartha Gautama's departure from the royal palace. Shinbyu or Buddhist novitiation ceremony for young Burmese boys, Bagan (Pagan) Ancient City

Shinbyu is the Burmese term for a novitiation ceremony (pabbajja) in the tradition of Theravada Buddhism, referring to the celebrations marking the samanera ordination of a boy under the age of 20. Allowing a son to spend some time however short it may be, in a Buddhist monastery is regarded by most Buddhists as the best religious gift that his parents can give him and it is believed to have a lasting effect on his life.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia