After a Donation, Novices can Study!
Our continued search to find monasteries and nunneries that are in need has led us back to the big city of Yangon! As mentioned in a previous post, one British donor instructed all his close friends and family not to give him birthday presents as usual, but to instead designate whatever money they would use for a gift and donate instead to a fund which would feed monks and nuns across Myanmar. This week, our team identified a needy candidate on the outskirts of Yangon, and they share the following report. We thank all of our loyal supporters, reminding readers that no contribution is ever too small… everything helps!
“The Sayadaw sent us a thankful message that he could not only organize to contribute the raw alms-rice but also begin providing breakfasts for the monks and novices residing there through our donation. He gladly instructed us to mention the donor’s name on the donor appreciation board as well. He mentioned that the monks and novices mostly have to go alms-round for breakfast and lunch two times in the other days when there is no donor, which sadly has become increasingly common with how poorly the economy is now faring. He also informed me that on those days when there is a breakfast donation in the monastery, the student monks and novices can study in the early morning times.
As novice Buddhist monks in Myanmar, it is important to have time to study in the early morning. This is because this is when they are most likely to be able to focus and learn. Additionally, the early morning hours are when the monks who have been studying for longer are typically available to answer questions and help those novice monks to understand the material. This period of study is also a chance for the monks to meditate and reflect on the teachings of the Buddha. The morning hours are a special, often quiet time for the monks and they are able to use this time to deepen their understanding of the Buddhist religion.”
