Last Updated on December 1, 2011 by Jess
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Laos is a strictly buddhist country, which means that, like in many Asian countries, monks in their beautiful orange robes are a sight almost everywhere we look. We chatted with one in Thailand in the back of a pick-up truck taxi, but here in Laos, there have been only many shy nods from monks in temples, at markets or, like these boys, on bikes.
Nearly every man in Laos joins a temple or monastery for at least a short period of time in their lives yet despite this and the fact that monks are considered the smartest people in the country due to a top education, some of the monks in Laos live a surprisingly hard life. In some areas of Laos, monks have to forage for their own food in the woods or rely on food donations from local communities who believe that providing food and other donations to the well-respected monks will improve their karma.
Cool photo. The monk life is so interesting. It’s amazing that in some countries it is still the best way to get a great education.
Thanks Rease! You’re right, it is the best way to get a good education in many countries and the novice monks take school very serious here 🙂 One of the monks who talked to us in Thailand had the best English & geographical knowledge (of Germany even!) we’ve come across so far in South East Asia.
Love it – great capture!
Thanks Cam 🙂
I wonder if the monks can quit if the want, or are they monks for life??
Great question! The monks can quit, and some only do it for a year. But so many stick it our because they get such a good education that way.