Thai boys inspired to ordain as novices in summer

Most children spend time playing or attending tutoring schools in the summer. But one group of boys has decided to participate in the Novice Ordination Summer Project at Bangkok’s Yannawa Temple.

Buddhist novices are aged from 7 up to 20. Some boys are ordained to please their family, while others voluntarily became novices for many reasons.

They say, for instance, they want to make new friends, change their living atmosphere, and show gratitude to their parents. Some of them even say they were inspired by last year’s movie “Orahun Summer”, or “Enlightened Summer”, a comedy about the fun of becoming novices in the summer time.

The little monks at Yannawa Temple shared with us how they felt living at the temple.

“I like it a little. I like asking for alms in the morning because I can get to go outside.”

“I gain knowledge about Buddhism from monk teachers."

“We get to practice our patience, learn dhamma, learn how to meditate and also we can make a lot of friends.”

The young novices also learn to practice from the ordination on how to live with others and to follow Buddhist praying and discipline.

They are cared for and trained by senior novices.

“Children usually have short concentration. We try to insert dhamma lessons and teach them to meditate properly, as much as they can at their age. For example, we give them easy mantras to practice praying so at least they can enjoy themselves,” said Teerapat Yatrii, a senior novice/Preceptor.

Although the young novices say life in yellow robes during the 15-day project is different from and less fun than the life of the little monks in the ‘Orahun Summer’ movie, what they receive is self-discipline, a productive summer time and new friendships.

-- TNA 2009-05-04

Thai boys inspired to ordain as novices in summer

Most children spend time playing or attending tutoring schools in the summer. But one group of boys has decided to participate in the Novice Ordination Summer Project at Bangkok’s Yannawa Temple.

Wat Yannawa is a really active temple, with halls full of people listening to dharma talks or getting meditation in the evenings. Plenty of schoolkids too. At least that's what I saw during the Rains Retreat.

They say, for instance, they want to make new friends, change their living atmosphere, and show gratitude to their parents. Some of them even say they were inspired by last year’s movie “Orahun Summer”, or “Enlightened Summer”, a comedy about the fun of becoming novices in the summer time.

Arahant Summer?

Wat Yannawa is a really active temple, with halls full of people listening to dharma talks or getting meditation in the evenings. Plenty of schoolkids too. At least that's what I saw during the Rains Retreat.

Years ago (probably late 80s) I didn't find it very impressive when I visited. Then I stopped by again in 2007 and was quite impressed. Renovation and building campaign very extensive, quite a few people at the temple on a normal day. I actually want to go back and visit again in a few weeks.