This short term 'fix' as a monk earns merit or kudos for one's parents. It is also openly encouraged for young boys to become 'novices'.
A short term monk basically lives the same life and ways
as a 'career' monk of many year's standing and service.
This will entail the ritual early morning trek out into
the neighbourhood to collect food and donations for the
temple monks and upkeep of the temple. He will eat
either one or two meals daily - no more - and this only
for the morning. During the afternoon, liquids only!
He will study the Dharma, obey monastic precepts and
will meditate.
As a Buddhist Monk, he will be highly thought of, leading a chaste,
showing restraint in all matters and benefiting from the knowledge
of benevolence and spiritual practice, that is the everyday life of
a Buddhist Monk in Thailand.
Buddhist monks differ from monks of other religions in several ways - notably that many Buddhist monks, study and write articles - or even books - based upon their own research into Buddhist Philosophy and understanding of Buddhism. This is not normally such widespread in monks of other religions, who tend to adhere rather more strictly to the given way.
Freedom to question Buddhist thinking is allowed
and even encouraged in order to further knowledge and understanding
of the Buddhist way. For much of the time, a Thai Buddhist monk is
allowed to travel - a throwback from the days when monks were often
travellers.
Celibacy is a common cause with all monks, but the Buddhist Monk is
not allowed to touch a woman. Not even his mother, and it is a point
worth remembering if visiting a Temple and needing to ask a Monk
advice or directions.
Early each morning, Buddhist monks are to be seen starting their
trek in search of food or alms with which to support both themselves
and the Temple. Thai monks walk through villages in search of
willing donors. Plenty are to be found, for the giving of alms to a
Thai Monk, is seen as a plus point in Thai society, and friendships
often develop - though at a distance. After returning to the temple,
the monks have their morning meal. It is not allowed to 'dip' into
the collection en route!
Monks are known to be resourceful in their daily
forays for food and alms. Living on the river does not exclude you!
An elder surveys the amulets at the local market. Amulets are an
important part of Thai life, and monks play an important part in the
blessing of such trinkets. This is perhaps an area of Buddhism that
people of western religions find a bit strange. Good luck charms,
fortune telling of various sorts are often an integral part of a
Temple. Positively encouraged in some areas!
In Thailand, Buddhist monks are welcome - sought
after - for such family events as births and marriages. The same is
true of funerals, for the monk's presence and all such gatherings
and ceremonies add an air of 'authenticity - or even blessing - to
the occasion.
The importance of the Buddhist Monk was there for all to see at the
cremation today (15th Nov 2008) of His Majesty the King's late
Sister. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and his son, Thailand's
Crown Prince, H.R.H. Prince Maha Vajiralongkom have both served
short periods as monks - stressing the importance of the monkhood
through all levels of society in Thai life.
The basic respect and and general liking of the Buddhist Monks in
Thailand, is because most families will have had a member who has
been a monk - even if for the shorter 3 month period. It is not
unknown for the family man to return to the temple as a monk, after
he has seen out his normal family duties in life.
With the exception of the period of the Buddhist Lent, monks are
free to leave their holy orders at any time.
A typical day in the life of a Thai Buddhist monk will start at 4.00am with meditation. This will be followed with chants, and thereafter out to the villages and neighbourhood to collect alms and food. Upon return to the temple at around 8.00am, there will be a communal breakfast. At sometime before noon, some monks will have a light snack - their last food before the following morning at sunrise. Afternoons are normally taken up with various Buddhist teachings, followed by a period of worship in the late afternoon, before retiring to do 'homework'. There may be duties around the Temple, such as repairs and cleaning to the general fabric of the buildings.
The modern monk, will often be seen talking into his mobile
- as will most other Thais! And the sporting
of a laptop is also to be seen.