Myanmar has a large population of monks, which often surprises visitors even from the neighbouring Buddhist country of Thailand. One possible reason being, monasteries are not only religious institutions, but they also offer shelter to anyone who is needy. Any person without a means of living can walk into a monastery and expect to get fed in return for serving the institution. In winter 2012, a high-season for travellers, a large number of backpacking tourists who were travelling without reservations spent nights in monasteries when the hotels and guesthouses were running packed.
Ywama Monastery is one of the many such institutions in Inle Lake Area. It is adjoining the more well-known Ywama Market in the middle of the lake, approached only by boats!
There is an endearing feeling in watching the ochre-robed little lads of Chimi Lhakhang. Despite their monk outfits, they are children and are just the way children are. You see them chasing each other or chasing a football in the open space, rolling in the grass harmlessly fighting over little things or trying to escape the chores assigned to them. But these are things that can only be done when they are not chanting continuously under the watchful eyes of the master.
Chimi Lhakhang is a small temple in the central region of Bhutan. Here is an image of one of the boys walking on the lawn, after giving up control over the football.
Also see more about Chimi Lhakhang at ‘Travelling in Bhutan. Experiences to Cherish‘
When you visit any monastery, dzong or temple in Bhutan, you are sure to stumble upon young monks full of energy. You find them studiously performing chores of the monastery, chanting in the prayer hall under the watchful eyes of a monk, sitting in the courtyard and reciting from the books, some times playing football, some times chasing each other or making bubbles with a chewing gum. It is a delight to watch these maroon robed kids immersed in their own world, unusually active compared to other children. I encountered these young monks almost every day during our photography tour to Bhutan last month.
Here are some photographs of these young monks captured in various moods. Click on the images to see larger size.
Play time..
In Conversation
Curious..
Mischievous..
Hardworking..
Anxious..?
Studious..
Reflecting..
Blissful..
Playful..
