Show Navigation

Search Results

Refine Search
Match all words
Match any word
Prints
Personal Use
Royalty-Free
Rights-Managed
(leave unchecked to
search all images)
{ 1353 images found }

Loading ()...

  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Female monks at Wat Songdhammakalyani pray before their breakfast after their morning alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks049.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Female monks at Wat Songdhammakalyani line up for breakfast after their morning alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks047.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: DHAMMAVANNA, a female monk at Wat Songdhammakalyani, leads other female monks through the community on their morning alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks039.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man gives food to female monks from Wat Songdhammakalyani on their alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks020.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of women, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks010.jpg
  • 10 NOVEMBER 2014 - SITTWE, MYANMAR: Buddhist novices (young monks) in Sittwe, Myanmar. Most Burmese males enter the Sangha (Buddhist monkhood) for at least a short period of their lives. Sittwe is a small town in the Myanmar state of Rakhine, on the Bay of Bengal.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    SittweFeatures086.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND: Buddhist monks pray in the Mondop (chapel that houses the footprint) before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi067.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: DHAMMAVANNA, a female monk at Wat Songdhammakalyani, leads other female monks through the community on their morning alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks044.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: DHAMMAVANNA, a female monk at Wat Songdhammakalyani, leads other female monks through the community on their morning alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks042.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: DHAMMAVANNA, a female monk at Wat Songdhammakalyani, leads other female monks through the community on their morning alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks037.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Female monks from Wat Songdhammakalyani chant after a man in the community gave the monks bottled water on their alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks036.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Female monks from Wat Songdhammakalyani line up to receive alms on their morning alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks030.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man gives food to female monks from Wat Songdhammakalyani on their alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks025.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A woman prays after giving alms to female monks from Wat Songdhammakalyani. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks019.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Female monks at Wat Songdhammakalyani participate in a chanting service before going out on their alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks006.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND:  A monk receives an offering from an woman during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi024.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  People present monks with alms and make merit at Wat Benchamabophit on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721005.jpg
  • 18 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:  Burmese Buddhist monks on the daily alms rounds on a busy street in Yangon, Myanmar. Most Burmese men join the Sangha (Buddhist clergy) at least once in their lives. Sometimes for only a few weeks, others make a lifetime commitment.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ScenesOfYangon174.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Female monks at Wat Songdhammakalyani line up for breakfast after their morning alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks046.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: DHAMMAVANNA, a female monk at Wat Songdhammakalyani, leads other female monks through the community on their morning alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks043.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: DHAMMAVANNA, a female monk at Wat Songdhammakalyani, leads other female monks through the community on their morning alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks041.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: DHAMMAVANNA, a female monk at Wat Songdhammakalyani, leads other female monks through the community on their morning alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks040.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: DHAMMAVANNA, a female monk at Wat Songdhammakalyani, accepts bottled water from a man during the monks' alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks035.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: DHAMMAVANNA, a female monk at Wat Songdhammakalyani, leads other female monks through the community on their morning alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks034.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: DHAMMAVANNA, a female monk at Wat Songdhammakalyani, leads other female monks through the community on their morning alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks033.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: DHAMMAVANNA, a female monk at Wat Songdhammakalyani, leads other female monks through the community on their morning alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks032.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: DHAMMAVANNA, a female monk at Wat Songdhammakalyani, leads other female monks through the community on their morning alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks029.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A couple prays after giving alms to the female monks from Wat Songdhammakalyani. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks027.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A woman gives food to female monks from Wat Songdhammakalyani on their alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks024.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A woman prays after giving alms to female monks from Wat Songdhammakalyani. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks023.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man gives food to female monks from Wat Songdhammakalyani on their alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks018.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Female monks from Wat Songdhammakalyani chant after women in the community gave the monks food on their alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks014.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Female monks from Wat Songdhammakalyani accept food from women in the community on their alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks013.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Female monks from Wat Songdhammakalyani walk through the darkness on their early morning alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks011.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Female monks at Wat Songdhammakalyani participate in a chanting service before going out on their alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks009.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Female monks at Wat Songdhammakalyani participate in a chanting service before going out on their alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks008.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Female monks at Wat Songdhammakalyani participate in a chanting service before going out on their alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks007.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Female monks at Wat Songdhammakalyani participate in a chanting service before going out on their alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks004.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Female monks at Wat Songdhammakalyani participate in a chanting service before going out on their alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks003.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Female monks at Wat Songdhammakalyani participate in a chanting service before going out on their alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks002.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND: Monks walk into a chapel at Wat Phra Phutthabat during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi070.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND: A woman prays as monks past her during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi068.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND: Buddhist monks pray in the Mondop (chapel that houses the footprint) before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi066.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND: Buddhist monks climb the stairway to the Mondop (chapel that houses the footprint) before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi064.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND: A monk receives flowers from the crowd during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi052.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND: A monk receives flowers from the crowd during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi046.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND: A girl looks to her parents before presenting a monk with flowers during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi045.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND: A monk receives flowers from the crowd during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi043.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND: A monk receives flowers from the crowd during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi042.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND:   A senior monk leads novices in a chanting service during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi026.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A man gives monks at Wat Benchamabophit food and alms on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721004.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Buddhist monks at Wat Benchamabophit wait for people to present them with alms on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721001.jpg
  • 18 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:  Burmese Buddhist monks on the daily alms rounds on a busy street in Yangon, Myanmar. Most Burmese men join the Sangha (Buddhist clergy) at least once in their lives. Sometimes for only a few weeks, others make a lifetime commitment.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ScenesOfYangon175.jpg
  • 18 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:  Burmese Buddhist monks on the daily alms rounds on a busy street in Yangon, Myanmar. Most Burmese men join the Sangha (Buddhist clergy) at least once in their lives. Sometimes for only a few weeks, others make a lifetime commitment.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ScenesOfYangon171.jpg
  • 18 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:  Burmese Buddhist monks on the daily alms rounds on a busy street in Yangon, Myanmar. Most Burmese men join the Sangha (Buddhist clergy) at least once in their lives. Sometimes for only a few weeks, others make a lifetime commitment.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ScenesOfYangon170.jpg
  • 19 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:  Buddhist monks walk down a residential street in Yangon. Most Burmese men join the Sangha (Buddhist clergy) at least once in their lives. Some for just a few weeks, others for years. Some, but not all, make a lifetime commitment.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ScenesOfYangon140.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A female monk at Wat Songdhammakalyani serves milk before breakfast after the monks' morning alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks045.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A family prays while the female monks from Wat Songdhammakalyani chant after the family gave the monks alms during the alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks031.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: DHAMMAVANNA, a female monk at Wat Songdhammakalyani, leads other female monks through the community on their morning alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks028.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of women, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks026.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A woman prays after giving alms to female monks from Wat Songdhammakalyani. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks017.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A boy gives food to female monks from Wat Songdhammakalyani on the monks' alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks016.jpg
  • 20 SEPTEMBER 2017 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A Buddhist novice at recess with his classmates at Wat  Ratchruek School along Khlong Bangkok Yai in the Thonburi section of Bangkok. Most Thai males join the Sangha (Buddhist clergy) at least once in their lives, sometimes for only a few weeks.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatRatchruekSchool 009.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND: Monks walk into a chapel at Wat Phra Phutthabat during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi071.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND: People wait to present flowers to monks during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi057.jpg
  • 18 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:  Burmese Buddhist monks on the daily alms rounds on a busy street in Yangon, Myanmar. Most Burmese men join the Sangha (Buddhist clergy) at least once in their lives. Sometimes for only a few weeks, others make a lifetime commitment.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ScenesOfYangon173.jpg
  • 19 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:  Buddhist monks walk down a residential street in Yangon. Most Burmese men join the Sangha (Buddhist clergy) at least once in their lives. Some for just a few weeks, others for years. Some, but not all, make a lifetime commitment.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ScenesOfYangon141.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Ven. DHAMMANANDA, the Abbess of Wat Songdhammakalyani, leads prayers before breakfast at the temple. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks051.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man gives food to female monks from Wat Songdhammakalyani on their alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks021.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND: Buddhist monks climb the stairway to the Mondop (chapel that houses the footprint) before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi063.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND: Buddhist monks walk through the crowd before climbing the stairway to the Mondop (chapel that houses the footprint) before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi061.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND: A monk receives flowers from the crowd during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi044.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Female monks at Wat Songdhammakalyani pray before their breakfast after their morning alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks050.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Female monks at Wat Songdhammakalyani get breakfast after their morning alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks048.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: DHAMMAVANNA, a female monk at Wat Songdhammakalyani, leads other female monks through the community on their morning alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks038.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: DHAMMAVANNA, a female monk at Wat Songdhammakalyani, leads other female monks through the community on their morning alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks022.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Female monks from Wat Songdhammakalyani chant after a man in the community gave the monks food on their alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks015.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Female monks from Wat Songdhammakalyani walk through the darkness on their early morning alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks012.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Female monks at Wat Songdhammakalyani participate in a chanting service before going out on their alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks005.jpg
  • 13 JANUARY 2019 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Female monks at Wat Songdhammakalyani participate in a chanting service before going out on their alms rounds. The Sangha Supreme Council, Thailand's governing body of Buddhist monks, bans the ordination of female monks, but hundreds of Thai women have gone abroad, mostly to Sri Lanka and India, to be ordained. There are about 270 women monks in Thailand and about 250,000 male monks. There are 7 monks and 6 novices at Wat Songdhammakalyani in Nakhon Pathom. It was the first temple in Thailand to have female monks. The temple opened 60 years ago and has always been a temple of women monks. Women can be ordained as novices in Thailand, but to be ordained as a full monk would require the participation of 10 female monks and 10 male monks, and male monks in Thailand are barred from participating in women's ordination ceremonies.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WomenMonks001.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND: Buddhist monks receive flowers from people near the Mondop (chapel that houses the footprint) before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi2002.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND: Buddhist novices leave the Mondop (chapel that houses a footprint of the Buddha) during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi069.jpg
  • 22 JULY 2013 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, THAILAND: Buddhist monks climb the stairway to the Mondop (chapel that houses the footprint) before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand, Monday, July 22. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMaiSaraburi062.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Buddhist monks at Wat Benchamabophit wait for people to present them with alms on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721002.jpg
  • 18 JUNE 2013 - YANGON, MYANMAR:  Burmese Buddhist monks on the daily alms rounds on a busy street in Yangon, Myanmar. Most Burmese men join the Sangha (Buddhist clergy) at least once in their lives. Sometimes for only a few weeks, others make a lifetime commitment.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ScenesOfYangon172.jpg
  • 31 OCTOBER 2015 - YANGON, MYANMAR: Burmese Buddhist monks lead prayers at Shwedagon Pagoda. Some members of the Burmese Sangha (brotherhood of monks) have inserted themselves into Myanmar's election campaign. Members of Ma Ba Tha, an organization of nationalist conservative monks, have come out in opposition to Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD), saying she is too friendly with Myanmar's Muslim minority and would not be able to govern Myanmar. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of four past Buddhas: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda1031007.jpg
  • 31 OCTOBER 2015 - YANGON, MYANMAR: Burmese Buddhist monks lead prayers at Shwedagon Pagoda. Some members of the Burmese Sangha (brotherhood of monks) have inserted themselves into Myanmar's election campaign. Members of Ma Ba Tha, an organization of nationalist conservative monks, have come out in opposition to Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD), saying she is too friendly with Myanmar's Muslim minority and would not be able to govern Myanmar. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of four past Buddhas: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda1031011.jpg
  • 31 OCTOBER 2015 - YANGON, MYANMAR: Burmese Buddhist monks lead prayers at Shwedagon Pagoda. Some members of the Burmese Sangha (brotherhood of monks) have inserted themselves into Myanmar's election campaign. Members of Ma Ba Tha, an organization of nationalist conservative monks, have come out in opposition to Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD), saying she is too friendly with Myanmar's Muslim minority and would not be able to govern Myanmar. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of four past Buddhas: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda1031009.jpg
  • 31 OCTOBER 2015 - YANGON, MYANMAR: Burmese Buddhist monks lead prayers at Shwedagon Pagoda. Some members of the Burmese Sangha (brotherhood of monks) have inserted themselves into Myanmar's election campaign. Members of Ma Ba Tha, an organization of nationalist conservative monks, have come out in opposition to Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD), saying she is too friendly with Myanmar's Muslim minority and would not be able to govern Myanmar. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of four past Buddhas: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda1031008.jpg
  • 31 OCTOBER 2015 - YANGON, MYANMAR: Burmese Buddhist monks lead prayers at Shwedagon Pagoda. Some members of the Burmese Sangha (brotherhood of monks) have inserted themselves into Myanmar's election campaign. Members of Ma Ba Tha, an organization of nationalist conservative monks, have come out in opposition to Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD), saying she is too friendly with Myanmar's Muslim minority and would not be able to govern Myanmar. Shwedagon Pagoda is officially known as Shwedagon Zedi Daw and is also called the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda. It is a 99 metres (325 ft) tall pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of on Singuttara Hill, and dominates the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and contains relics of four past Buddhas: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. The pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon people, who used to dominate the area around what is now Yangon (Rangoon). The pagoda has been renovated numerous times through the centuries. Millions of Burmese and tens of thousands of tourists visit the pagoda every year, which is the most visited site in Yangon.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ShwedagonPagoda1031010.jpg
  • 01 JANUARY 2019 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   People pray during the New Year's merit making ceremony on the plaza in front of City Hall in Bangkok. City Hall traditionally hosts one of the largest New Year merit making ceremonies in Thailand. This year about 160 monks participated in the event.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    CityHallMeritMaking018.jpg
  • 13 OCTOBER - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People make merit by giving alms to Buddhist monks on the first anniversary of the death of Bhumibol Adulyadej, the Late King of Thailand. About 199 monks from 14 Buddhist temples in Bangkok participated in the mass merit making at Siriraj Hospital to mark the anniversary of the revered King's death. He will be cremated on 26 October 2017.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    KingDeathAnniversary034.jpg
  • 13 OCTOBER - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A woman prays while she waits for Buddhist monks on the first anniversary of the death of Bhumibol Adulyadej, the Late King of Thailand. About 199 monks from 14 Buddhist temples in Bangkok participated in the mass merit making at Siriraj Hospital to mark the anniversary of the revered King's death. He will be cremated on 26 October 2017.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    KingDeathAnniversary028.jpg
  • 13 OCTOBER - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Women wait for Buddhist monks on the first anniversary of the death of Bhumibol Adulyadej, the Late King of Thailand. About 199 monks from 14 Buddhist temples in Bangkok participated in the mass merit making at Siriraj Hospital to mark the anniversary of the revered King's death. He will be cremated on 26 October 2017.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    KingDeathAnniversary012.jpg
  • 30 AUGUST 2016 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A woman prays while she makes an offering at Wat Mangkon Kamalawat on the last day of Hungry Ghost Month in Bangkok. Chinese temples and shrines in the Thai capital host food distribution events during Hungry Ghost Month, during the 7th lunar month, which is usually August in the Gregorian calendar.         PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    PohTeckTung049.jpg
  • 22 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND: Buddhist monks participate in the candle light procession around the chedi during the Makha Bucha Day service at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo. The temple is famous for the design of its chedi, which some have likened to a flying saucer or UFO.                PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBucha2016053.jpg
  • 22 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND:  Buddhist monks sit around the chedi during Makha Bucha Day at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBucha2016030.jpg
  • 22 FEBRUARY 2016 - KHLONG LUANG, PATHUM THANI, THAILAND:  Buddhist monks sit around the chedi during Makha Bucha Day at Wat Phra Dhammakaya.  Makha Bucha Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Many people go to the temple to perform merit-making activities on Makha Bucha Day, which marks four important events in Buddhism: 1,250 disciples came to see the Buddha without being summoned, all of them were Arhantas, Enlightened Ones, and all were ordained by the Buddha himself. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are:  1) To cease from all evil, 2) To do what is good, 3) To cleanse one's mind. The Buddha delivered an important sermon on that day which laid down the principles of the Buddhist teachings. In Thailand, this teaching has been dubbed the “Heart of Buddhism.” Wat Phra Dhammakaya is the center of the Dhammakaya Movement, a Buddhist sect founded in the 1970s and led by Phra Dhammachayo. The temple is famous for the design of its chedi, which some have likened to a flying saucer or UFO.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    MakhaBucha2016014.jpg
  • 07 FEBRUARY 2016 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A Buddhist monk lights candles during a Chinese New Year ceremony at Wat Traimit in Bangkok's Chinatown neighborhood. Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year or Tet (in Vietnamese communities) starts Monday February 8. The coming year will be the "Year of the Monkey." Thailand has the largest overseas Chinese population in the world; about 14 percent of Thais are of Chinese ancestry and some Chinese holidays, especially Chinese New Year, are widely celebrated in Thailand.        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LunarNewYearsEve036.jpg
  • 04 JANUARY 2016 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:         A Buddhist monk walks past Bang Chak Market on the last day it was open. The market closed January 4, 2016. The Bang Chak Market serves the community around Sois 91-97 on Sukhumvit Road in the Bangkok suburbs. About half of the market has been torn down. Bangkok city authorities put up notices in late November that the market would be closed by January 1, 2016 and redevelopment would start shortly after that. Market vendors said condominiums are being built on the land.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BangChakMarketLastDay001.jpg
Next
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
x

Jack Kurtz, Photojournalist & Travel Photographer

  • Published Work
  • Photographs
    • All Galleries
    • Search
    • Cart
    • Lightbox
    • Client Area
  • Jack on Instagram
  • About
  • Contact
  • My Occasional Blog
  • Portfolios on Behance
  • Portfolio