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Monkhood in the Thai Tradition
by Sam CharupakornThe concept of monkhood in the Thai tradition is pretty simple. It is considered a sacred ritual, a sign of respect, and a holy deed that a son does for his parents. By entering the monkhood, it is said that one will guarantee a place for his parents in Nirvana or heaven, however you see it.
Many boys and men will do it for that sole reason alone. They will do this for a certain amount of time and then they may leave the monkhood and go on to have families or resume their normal lives. The rest will enter the monkhood for their own reasons, whether to find one's own identity or to seek the path of enlightenment. The majority of the long-term monks are seeking enlightenment, and following the path set forth by the Buddha.
Image copyright © Sam Charupakorn
