Yes, the thing that strikes many visitors to Laos, besides the beauty and solitude of the place, is the incredible number of Buddhist monks walking around. Dressed in those trademark saffron robes, you'll easily spot them walking in pairs, usually with an umbrella in hand to ward off either sunrays or raindrops. In the early morning hours, when they make their daily alms rounds through town, it seems as if a wave of orange is flowing down the streets.
Their lifestyle is shaped so as to support their spiritual practice, to live a simple and meditative life. Photo taken at a temple at Ban Thieng. We had to run during our bike ride for a heavy tropical rainshower. Lucky we were passing a local temple where we could shelter. We had a friendly chat with the local people and monks. Lao monks are very friendly and approachable. We donated some money to this Buddhist community. Most people donate food to the monks to gain merit and improve their karma. The temples of Laos were once seen as "Universities" for monks. Lao monks are highly respected and revered in Lao communities. Many of the novice monks come from poor villages throughout Laos and live and study. Many of them are teenagers and not yet full-fledged men of the cloth like this eldery monk.
Lao monks are very friendly and approachable. Pay a visit to any temple in town and it's highly likely that a polite young monk - or group of them - will initiate a conversation with you. Most of these curious, conservational monks are of the novice variety, that is, they are usually teenagers still in school and not yet full-fledged men of the cloth. Many of the novice monks come from poor villages throughout Laos to live and study at one of the twenty-odd temples scattered around Luang Prabang. Obviously, being Buddhist monks, they are focused on learning about the teachings of the Lord Buddha, but novices also study a variety of academic subjects and languages such as Pali, French and English. Many of them can also speak Thai, a language that is quite similar to their native Lao. Those monks that want to pursue their education at a university must relocate to the capital of Vientiane and do so at one of the larger temples located there.
Diana~!, atsjebosma, 1D110, Joel Tjintjelaar, and 149 other people added this photo to their favorites.
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_ a c o _ 52 months ago | reply
I saw this in the 100+ Faves group and Faved it.
Mis saludos...
globalrain 51 months ago | reply
This is a expressive portrait!
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kate053(absente) 51 months ago | reply
magnifique portrait!
I saw this in the 100+ Faves group and Faved it.
bekahpaige 51 months ago | reply
excellent captivating portrait, immediately grabs your attention and makes you want to know more about the man and his life, excellent choice for bw too
I saw this in the 100+ Faves group and Faved it.
Joanot 51 months ago | reply
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HelpAge 50 months ago | reply
Great photo with a great description. really puts things in perspective.
sgbaughn 49 months ago | reply
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called LMN8R - Theme of "The Living Face", and we'd love to have this added to the group!
patricia l m 49 months ago | reply
Fantastic portrait.
Javier Del Pozo 48 months ago | reply
Is Mr Spock but in buddist version. heheehe
GUNDOGAN 48 months ago | reply
wonderful picture..Great work...
Running J 48 months ago | reply
Stunning shot, you really capture something of is mannerism. This is a favorite!!!
TIME OF INDIA 45 months ago | reply
Thanks for your portrait!
Loïc BROHARD 42 months ago | reply
This is an Excellent Black & White Image!
This Image Caught My Eye in Black & White Diamond Awards Gallery
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e-ray 41 months ago | reply
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Black & White Faces, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
PLEASE JOIN OUR GROUP...
Fávaro - luiscfa@terra.com.br 39 months ago | reply
Retrato belíssimo.
wooshi2 39 months ago | reply
very nice
Mangini Adalberto & Laura 35 months ago | reply
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called We,Human Beings - Admin invite only -, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Cathy Wilcock 32 months ago | reply
Your portraits are incredible.
V Y8s 26 months ago | reply
Simply beautiful, simple and inspiring.
Wes Nunes 13 months ago | reply
Great work...