Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Buddhist monks
HANAN ISACHAR/LONELY PLANET IMAGES ©
Although Thai monks take a vow of poverty, it is not unusual to see them using
mobile (cell) phones, smoking or shopping at the market. The degree to which mon-
astic orders are adhered to varies by individual and temple; because monkhood is
somewhat compulsory, not every participant is guided by deep religious convictions.
In Thai Buddhism, women who seek a
monastic life are given a minor role in the
temple that is not equal to full monkhood. A
Buddhist nun is known as
mâa chee
(mother
priest) and lives as an
atthasila
(following
eight precepts of Buddhism's code of ethics
as opposed to the five for lay people and 227
for ordained monks) nun, a position tradition-
ally occupied by women who had no other
place in society. Thai nuns shave their heads,
wear white robes and take care of temple
chores. Generally speaking,
mâa chee
aren't
Buddhist Festivals
1 ORK PHANSAA (
CLICK HERE
)
