A few weeks ago was the beginning of Lent, I am reliably informed (they gave us the day off school). The following Monday, and ever since, I have seen numerous monks on the streets.

I asked my Thai colleagues, who were amazed at my knowledge of Buddhism (pretty feeble as to doctrine). First they suggested there are people who pretend to be monks, and I had mistaken them for the real thing (so had the devout Thais who were donating food and drink, and kneeling down). Next they suggested they were a non-conforming sect (all the way down Phetkasem and Charoen Sanitwong).

Can anyone explain why they are not shut away studying the scriptures and waiting for the end of the harvest?

Your man in an orange shirt = Roger

A few weeks ago was the beginning of Lent, I am reliably informed (they gave us the day off school). The following Monday, and ever since, I have seen numerous monks on the streets.

I asked my Thai colleagues, who were amazed at my knowledge of Buddhism (pretty feeble as to doctrine). First they suggested there are people who pretend to be monks, and I had mistaken them for the real thing (so had the devout Thais who were donating food and drink, and kneeling down). Next they suggested they were a non-conforming sect (all the way down Phetkasem and Charoen Sanitwong).

Can anyone explain why they are not shut away studying the scriptures and waiting for the end of the harvest?

Your man in an orange shirt = Roger

During Pansa monks are not allowed to stay away from their temple at night. They can go outside during the day.

Pindibar, the collecting of alms by the monks, is a very important part of monastic life, it is where the food they eat comes from. It s also important to the lay people as they gain merit by giving food to sangha, receiving a blessing as thanks. It is important to their spiritual life. Some communities ask that the local monks come on Pindibar so the elderly can gain merit without the struggle of going to the Wat every day.

The rains retreat is the period where the monks are supposed to concentrate on their Buddhist practice and their spiritual development. To this end they are supposed to stay in one place for the duration and be home by dark. With the tradition of traveling monks, the travelers either return to their "home" monastery or find a place for the retreat. As it is a time when accommodation is at a premium in the monasteries, most will plan their travels around this time of year and send word to the Abbot where they intend to stay, although it would be very rare for a monk to be refused a place to stay, they may be more comfortable moving to another Wat.

Anybody out there ,know the dates for 2009 !