Myanmar
is Buddhist country where visitors are often stunned by the
number and splendor of its pagodas as well as by the frequent
sights of the brown-coloured robes worn by Buddhist monks
who have devoted their lives to the studies and practices
of Theravada Buddhism.
Usually every male Myanmar will become a monk or a novice
at least once in his lifetime.
Life of monk
Being a monk is not a permanent irrevocable decision as they
can disrobe and ordain again whenever wished or needed. The
ordination ceremony is the most important and meritorious
event for a Myanmar Family. Being a monk is attaining the
noblest level of human existence for Buddhists.
As a monk, he will submit to the 227 rules of discipline established
by the Lord Buddha.
Some rules e.g.include celibacy, not to
handle money or jewellery and not to eat afternoon.
Monks usually study in their young age the Pali-scripture.
These studies imply several
Examinations on different levels. After a successful study
period, there will be usually a meditation retreat following
for the practical experience and one day, the monk will
preside over a monastry as an abbot and teacher if he is
respected, instructed and of reproachless lifestyle.
For daily life of monk,
in the morning at dawn, monks usually leave their monasteries
to go bare footed on alms,i.e. carry their black almsbowl
around, stopping and waiting quietly in front of the houses
to receive rice or curries from the people who - again -
have the good opportunity to be perform meritorious deeds.
That's why the monks don't thank the people for their offerings
but instead the people are glad to be given a chance to
offer ( which is a highly meritorious deed).
Nowadays
more and more westerners are interested in the monks' life
and also get ordination in Myanmar. There are monks from
all over the world living mostly in meditation monasteries
and being highly respected by the Myanmar people who often
say that foreign monks are so admirably serious in their
meditation practice. If you are interested in becoming a
monk - even for a short time only - you can address yourself
to any international meditation monastery in Myanmar. It
will surely be a unique experience in your life.
Myanmar
is Buddhist country where visitors are often stunned by the
number and splendor of its pagodas as well as by the frequent
sights of the brown-coloured robes worn by Buddhist monks
who have devoted their lives to the studies and practices
of Theravada Buddhism.
Being a monk is not a permanent irrevocable decision as they
can disrobe and ordain again whenever wished or needed. The
ordination ceremony is the most important and meritorious
event for a Myanmar Family. Being a monk is attaining the
noblest level of human existence for Buddhists.
Monks usually study in their young age the Pali-scripture.
These studies imply several
For daily life of monk, 
in the morning at dawn, monks usually leave their monasteries
to go bare footed on alms,i.e. carry their black almsbowl
around, stopping and waiting quietly in front of the houses
to receive rice or curries from the people who - again -
have the good opportunity to be perform meritorious deeds.
That's why the monks don't thank the people for their offerings
but instead the people are glad to be given a chance to
offer ( which is a highly meritorious deed).
Nowadays
more and more westerners are interested in the monks' life
and also get ordination in Myanmar. There are monks from
all over the world living mostly in meditation monasteries
and being highly respected by the Myanmar people who often
say that foreign monks are so admirably serious in their
meditation practice. If you are interested in becoming a
monk - even for a short time only - you can address yourself
to any international meditation monastery in Myanmar. It
will surely be a unique experience in your life. 