When my Thai friend Titiwan asked me if I would like to photograph her son Ping being ordained into monk-hood at a temple and monastery just outside Bangkok, I naturally accepted the kind invitation.
The ordination ceremony, or Buat Nak, is a very important rite of passage for Thai males. Buddhism is an integral part of Thai culture. Thais believe that when a man turns 20, he should be ordained and enter a monastery for a period of time to study dharma, the teachings of the Lord Buddha. This tradition is considered to be a great act of religious service as well as a significant merit making occasion for the ordained’s family. It is a way for Thai men to express gratitude to their parents for raising and nurturing them.
In the bustling city of Bangkok, where the skyscrapers reach for the heavens, and the cacophony of traffic fills the air, my friends son is about to embark on a profound and transformative journey. Deeply spiritual and seeking a higher purpose, he made the decision to be ordained into monk-hood at a revered temple in the heart of this city of endless layers.
The temple, a serene oasis amidst the urban chaos, feels to me like a beacon of tranquility and wisdom. Its ornate golden spires and intricate carvings invite solace and enlightenment. Several Monks clad in vibrant saffron robes bustled about, preparing for the sacred ceremony. The air was thick with incense, its fragrant tendrils weaving through the temple's intricate architecture. As the early morning sun cast a gentle glow over the temple courtyard, Ping, now wearing a simple sarong has his head and eyebrows shaved by one of the Monks. Locks of hair fell to the ground, which is mother Titiwan, collected and kept. The first stage of his journey now complete.
Ping, now dressed in plain white robes giver to him by his mother, is approached by a senior Monk, his warm smile reflecting the wisdom acquired through years of devotion. With a voice filled with kindness, he guided Ping through the rites and rituals, explaining the sacred significance of each step. Ping listened intently about the ancient traditions he was about to embrace. His his mother and grandfather, dressed in traditional attire, stood by his side, their eyes filled with a touch of melancholy. Ping then showered them with flowers and offerings, acknowledging their guidance towards this commitment he is about to make .
Ping then stepped into the main hall of the temple, where rows of monks awaited him. The air hummed with a palpable sense of spirituality as he knelt before the revered abbot, his eyes downcast in deference. The abbot, a figure of wisdom and serenity, began the ordination ceremony. He chanted ancient verses, invoking blessings and imparting wisdom to the young man who had chosen this path of enlightenment. It is believed that with each step of the ceremony, Ping will shed his worldly attachments, symbolically letting go of his former self. After the ceremony was complete he was given his new garments, the iconic saffron robes, and it is believed that the weight of his previous life has now been lifted.
As the ordination ritual concluded, Ping emerged as a newly ordained monk. With shaven head and bare feet, he walked with newfound grace and humility. The temple bell tolled, signalling the culmination of a deeply transformative journey. His mother and grandfather stood by his side to offer their blessings and pay their respects to the newly ordained monk. I could see how Ping’s family, overcome with a mix of emotions, embraced him, their tears mingling with joy and pride. Ping’s days as a monk then began, a life dedicated to spiritual growth, mindfulness, and service to others.