Resin Statues :: Observing Monk

All things have a story...

The monastic community is very important in Buddhism, particularly the Theravada sect, which is practiced throughout southeastern Asia. Theravada Buddhism takes a conservative approach and is very focused on following the original teachings of the awakened one, the Buddha. One of the distinguishing traits of Theravada monks is that they typically carry umbrellas. The umbrellas not only serve the monks well in times of rain (especially during monsoon season) but also represent the authority of the Buddha.

Theravada places a strong emphasis on the monkhood, rather than on laypeople (those who are not monks). The Theravada community believes that the best way to reach enlightenment is to become a monk and devote one’s life to it whole-heartedly. The majority of Theravada monks actually begin their careers as monks very early in life, even before adolescence. The Theravada Buddhists believe the sangha (community of monks) is responsible for providing the direct teachings of the Buddha from his day up to present. Another distinguishing feature of Theravada monks is their bright orange robes, which is an influence of the much older religion of Hinduism. The sannyassins of Hindu religion also wear bright orange robes. Each month, Theravadan monks carry out a special ritual having to do with the new moon and the full moon. During this ceremony, the monastic rules are read and monks make confessions. If a monk has confesses to a serious offense, he can be expelled from the sangha.

Although Theravadan monks are well-educated, especially in the traditions of Buddhism, they often must beg for bread and food, as they are not permitted to carry money or have many material possessions. The townspeople consider it a blessing and an honor to feed the monks, and in return, the monks often perform religious ceremonies for the people. Although laypeople in Theravada Buddhism assume that enlightenment is not possible for them, they believe that helping the monks in the sangha will help them gain merit for the next lifetime, when they can become monks.