Buddhism is a very important part of Burmese tradition and practiced by 90% of the country. Most Burmese men serve as monks at some point in their lives. Over 1% of the population spends their entire life in a monastic existence. Even under the strict military rule of the last 50 years, monks have been a potent religious and more recently political force. In 2007 thousands of monks were involved in the Saffron Revolution, demanding change in Burma and leading groups of tens of thousands. Political activism among monks has created internal tensions as some are accused of fomenting anti-Muslim tension and violence. Today as the country opens up, monks span the gamut from living a traditional cloistered existence to active societal and civic participation.
Sam (Sundara), center, became a monk at age 30.
Sam goes out every morning for his daily alms gathering.
Even the young treat the monks with reverence.
A typical meal consists of rice and fruit collected that morning.
Before becoming a monk, Sam ran a successful ‘cheroot’ (cigar) factory. “I had enough money, but I hated my life.” He has now sworn off tobacco.
Monks cutting firewood.
A young girl novice collects alms.
Monks live simply, sleeping on a straw mat with few possessions.
Monks are continually studying and learning.
Met with U Man (Mandela), a 30 yr old who has been a monk since turning 13, at the Taw Win shopping center, a venue he found to be unfamiliar.
Botataung Pagoda, Yangon
A senior teacher with many disciples.
Monks run schools for children in local communities.
Sam looks out from the room he shares with four other monks.
