Thailand: Saffron robes, covered with elaborate decoration, and an alms bowl, ready for presentation to the nak or monks-to-be. Thai Buddhist ordination ceremony, Chiang Mai

In Thai Theravada Buddhism young men are usually expected to ordain into the monkhood at some point in their life. Ordination into the Buddhist monkhood has never implied a lifetime commitment and most men usually only spend a short time in the temple.

Entering the monkhood, even for a short time, is believed to bring great merit to the ordained as well as his parents.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia