Before dawn, the small town stretches awake, with smoke rising from the chimneys as the villagers prepare for the day. They rush to the home of Myint, who is about to become a novice monk and enter monastic life for a short period. Though his parents are not wealthy, they follow tradition and rent a large white horse for him, while the neighbors help dress him as a prince. The whole village is filled with the sound of drums and gongs, escorting Myint through the streets, experiencing the Buddha’s departure from the palace, seeing birth, aging, illness, and death, which sparks his desire to leave the world behind.
In contrast to Mahayana Buddhism, which emphasizes engaging in the world to help others, Theravada Buddhism has a strong focus on renouncing the world. As such, people in Theravada Buddhist countries place great importance on the experience of monastic life. A man is expected to live in the monastery at least once in his life to study the teachings of Buddhism and live according to the precepts established by the Buddha. The people of Myanmar believe that monastic living, even for a short time, brings great merit both for oneself and for one’s parents, and it is viewed as a way to repay their parents’ kindness.
Theravada Buddhism places significant emphasis on the traditional monastic precepts found in the Vinaya Pitaka. Monks still follow the original practices outlined by the Buddha, such as going on alms rounds, accepting food only from laypeople, refraining from eating after noon, and not possessing gold or silver. The monastic life in Myanmar retains the practices of early Indian Buddhism. It is common for Mahayana Buddhist followers from other regions to visit Myanmar to experience short-term ordination and engage in meditation and accumulation of merit. Additionally, Myanmar is known for having the most rigorous monk assessments and the highest number of meditation centers in Theravada Buddhism.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You said: “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you.” (Isaiah 49:15 NIV) The people of Myanmar are Your children, and You will never forget them. They strive to accumulate merit on their own, unaware that You have already prepared the grace of salvation. Lord, we pray that You will reveal to them that the purpose of life is not about keeping a ledger of good deeds, but about walking on a beautiful journey with You. You have sent the Holy Spirit to help people fulfill the law of love and fight against sin to gain freedom. When the people of Myanmar put on the kasaya (monastic robe), seeking liberation, may You reveal Yourself to them and respond to their inner confusion and needs. May they no longer long to escape into monastic life but run into Your open arms. We pray in the name of Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
