Little Angels

1. Novice monks in Thailand often ordain due to poverty and lack of opportunity

"In Thailand, young boys frequently become novice monks simply because their impoverished parents can't afford to feed them, clothe them or send them to school."

Poverty drives ordination: Many young boys in rural Thailand become novice monks not out of religious devotion, but as a means of survival. Impoverished families, unable to provide basic necessities or education for their children, turn to monasteries as a last resort. This practice reflects the ongoing socioeconomic challenges in rural Thailand and the role of Buddhism in providing social support.

Education through ordination: Monasteries offer free education, including both secular and religious studies, to novice monks. For many boys, this is their only pathway to completing high school and potentially accessing higher education or better job opportunities. The monastic education system thus serves as a crucial alternative for those who would otherwise be denied educational opportunities due to financial constraints.

Common reasons for ordination:

• Inability of parents to provide food and clothing
• Lack of access to formal education
• Desire to escape rural poverty
• Opportunity for personal development and future prospects

2. The monastic life provides education and shelter for disadvantaged youth

"Living as novices, trying to follow their precepts and learning the Dhamma, the Buddha's teaching, has given them a moral and ethical framework around which they will be able to build their lives as laymen after they disrobe."

Safe haven and structure: Monasteries offer a structured environment that provides stability, routine, and guidance for young boys who may come from chaotic or neglectful backgrounds. This structure helps instill discipline and offers a sense of purpose that many novices lacked in their previous lives.

Moral and ethical education: Beyond academic education, the monastic life exposes novices to Buddhist teachings and ethical principles. This moral foundation can have a lasting impact on their character development, decision-making skills, and worldview, even if they eventually disrobe and return to lay life.

Benefits of monastic life for disadvantaged youth:

• Stable living environment
• Regular meals and basic necessities
• Access to education and personal development opportunities
• Exposure to moral and ethical teachings
• Protection from negative influences like drugs and crime
• Development of self-discipline and mindfulness

3. Many novices struggle with adhering to precepts and monastic discipline

"Sometimes it's difficult being a 15-year-old novice"

Teenage challenges: Young novices often find it difficult to adhere to the strict monastic rules and precepts, especially as they navigate the typical challenges of adolescence. The contrast between their desires and the expectations of monastic life can create internal conflict and temptation to break rules.

Varying levels of commitment: Not all novices are equally committed to the monastic life or Buddhist practice. Some view it primarily as a means to an end (education or shelter), while others genuinely strive to follow the path. This diversity in motivation and commitment leads to varying levels of adherence to monastic discipline.

Common struggles for novice monks:

• Adhering to celibacy and avoiding romantic relationships
• Resisting modern temptations like technology and entertainment
• Maintaining focus on studies and spiritual practice
• Coping with homesickness and separation from family
• Balancing personal desires with monastic expectations
• Dealing with peer pressure from both monastic and lay friends

4. Buddhism offers moral guidance and coping mechanisms for life's challenges

"Understanding just that was worth becoming a novice for."

Practical philosophy: Buddhist teachings provide novices with practical tools for understanding and navigating life's challenges. Concepts like impermanence, karma, and mindfulness offer frameworks for processing difficult experiences and making ethical decisions.

Resilience building: Through meditation practices and the study of Buddhist philosophy, novices often develop greater emotional resilience and mental clarity. These skills can be particularly valuable for young people who have experienced trauma or hardship in their early lives.

Key Buddhist concepts applied to daily life:

• Impermanence: Understanding that all things, including suffering, are temporary
• Karma: Recognizing the consequences of one's actions
• Mindfulness: Developing awareness of thoughts and emotions
• Compassion: Cultivating empathy for oneself and others
• Middle Way: Finding balance in all aspects of life
• Four Noble Truths: Understanding the nature of suffering and its cessation

5. Family relationships and personal histories shape novices' experiences

"I had just turned twelve when my mother told me she had decided to go to Bangkok herself to get a job."

Diverse backgrounds: Novices come from a wide range of family situations, from loving and supportive environments to neglectful or abusive ones. These backgrounds significantly influence their adjustment to monastic life and their overall well-being.

Sacrifice and separation: Many novices experience the pain of separation from their families, especially when parents make difficult decisions to send their children to monasteries for a better future. This separation can lead to complex emotions, including gratitude, resentment, and a sense of responsibility to succeed.

Factors influencing novices' experiences:

• Family dynamics and relationships
• Socioeconomic background
• Prior exposure to Buddhism and monastic life
• Personal traumas or hardships
• Level of family support for ordination
• Expectations placed on the novice by family members

6. The tension between traditional monastic life and modern influences

"The novices' stories form the main part of the book but I have preceded them with some background about novice life generally, and some of the basic social and cultural factors involved, so that readers can more readily understand and appreciate what the novices have to say."

Evolving traditions: Thai Buddhism and monastic life are experiencing tensions between maintaining traditional practices and adapting to modern realities. Novices often find themselves caught between these two worlds, trying to balance ancient precepts with the pressures and temptations of contemporary society.

Technology and globalization: The increasing presence of technology and global cultural influences in Thailand presents both challenges and opportunities for novice monks. While these factors can distract from spiritual practice, they also offer new ways to learn and connect with the wider world.

Modern influences impacting monastic life:

• Smartphones and internet access
• Western-style education and career aspirations
• Changing social norms and values
• Urbanization and rural-urban migration
• Consumerism and materialism
• Global Buddhist movements and international exchanges

7. Ordination as a path to break cycles of poverty and create better futures

"I know in my heart I'm not a bad person and I've done my best since I've been a novice to make up for my earlier behaviour and, in a way, to thank my ghost novice friend."

Education as empowerment: For many novices, the education they receive through monastic life represents their best chance to break free from generational poverty. The combination of academic knowledge and Buddhist teachings equips them with both practical skills and ethical frameworks for building better lives.

Personal transformation: The monastic experience often leads to profound personal growth and self-discovery. Many novices, even those who initially ordained reluctantly, find that their time in the monastery helps them develop discipline, compassion, and a sense of purpose that serves them well in their future endeavors.

Ways ordination can lead to better futures:

• Access to education and literacy
• Development of self-discipline and work ethic
• Exposure to positive role models and mentors
• Opportunities for personal reflection and growth
• Networking and social connections
• Improved social status and respect in the community

8. The impact of cultural and social changes on Thai Buddhism and novice monks

"Faith in the community of monks as a whole has diminished."

Changing perceptions: Traditional respect for monks and the monastic institution has been challenged by scandals and changing social values. This shift affects both the public's view of novice monks and the novices' own sense of purpose and identity within Thai society.

Adapting to new realities: Monasteries and Buddhist leaders are grappling with how to maintain relevance and integrity in a rapidly changing world. This includes addressing issues of monastic discipline, modernizing education, and finding new ways to engage with both traditional believers and younger generations.

Factors influencing changes in Thai Buddhism:

• High-profile scandals involving monks
• Increasing secularization and Western influences
• Economic development and changing social priorities
• Rise of other religious and spiritual movements
• Government policies and political changes
• Demographic shifts and urbanization

9. Personal growth and self-discovery through the monastic journey

"I've become very interested in meditation and would like to continue my practice for a while yet."

Inner exploration: The monastic life provides novices with unique opportunities for introspection and self-discovery. Through meditation, study, and community living, many young monks develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.

Diverse paths: While some novices discover a genuine calling to Buddhist practice and choose to remain in monastic life, others use their time as novices as a period of growth and preparation for lay life. Both paths can lead to personal transformation and the development of valuable life skills.

Areas of personal growth experienced by novices:

• Self-discipline and emotional regulation
• Critical thinking and philosophical inquiry
• Interpersonal skills and community living
• Mindfulness and stress management
• Ethical decision-making and moral reasoning
• Cultural and spiritual literacy
• Self-confidence and sense of purpose

Last updated: July 23, 2024