All things have a story...
The monastery or “sangha” is the very heart of the Theravada community, and each community has numerous "Wats" or Buddhist temples. On a trip to Thailand or other Southeastern countries, one can find many young men walking with orange robes, the traditionally colored robes of the monk, and begging for food. The monks never have to beg long, as people line up to give them food, for it seen as a blessing. The monks are often the best educated people in the community as well. For this reason, Theravadan monasteries are often built in the center of towns. The monks also help educate children, help perform spiritual services and provide advice. No ceremony in Thailand is complete without the blessing of the local monks, who perform various complex rites and bestow blessings on the people or objects involved. For instance, it is unthinkable to move into a new house before having it blessed by the neighborhood Wat.
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