Two monklets visit Golden Rock (Kyaiktiyo), the most sacred place in Myanmar
Young monks enjoy their free time in a monastery in Bagan
Myanmar is the country with the biggest proportion of monks and religion related expenses. 89% of the population is Buddhist, from the Theravada tradition.
(up) Many ethnic groups like the Shan or Bamar combine the Buddhists traditions with previous beliefs of Nats (spirits). I came across this monklet praying in an ancient pagoda in Bagan
Two Nuns walk over the U bein Bridge in Mandalay. The longest teak bridge in the world
Two monks walk the streets of Mandalay on their way to the local market
Four monklets in a monastery in Bagan
I found these monks having fun during a break from their tasks. They were repairing the entrance of a cave in Hpa-an
These nuns take care of the cleaning of the sacred caves of Hpa-an
According to the tradition when kids are 7 they join the monastery for a month. I took this photo in Mrauk U, where I was incredibly lucky to be invited to the ceremony and following celebration of the entry of four new monklets
A monk taking a shower in the village of Pankam close to Hispaw, in the Shan state
(down) Young monk plays football in Bagan. This is my favorite photo as I had lots of fun with these kids
Daily almsround (pindacara) to collect food. Most of the Theravada monks in Myanmar wear maroon or ochre robes. In Thailand, Laos or Sri Lanka they wear saffron coloured ones instead. These monks walk the streets in Hsipaw village
Being such an important part of the Burmese society and highly respected they have been crucial for the developing of the present Myanmar. They are considered the third political group and hold a better organization than the military one.
Since the British colonialism they have been fighting towards independence. Then, during the military government they were responsible for many riots that lead the country to democracy. More recently, in 2007, they protested in the «saffron revolution» against the ridiculous petrol prize rise. This meant death for many.