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  • 24 OCTOBER 2010 - CHANDLER, AZ: A Thai woman bows after presenting Ajahn MAHA AMPORN with rice during the "tak bat" or donation of rice to the monks, an important part of Buddhist merit making, during the Ok Phansa services to mark the end of Buddhist Lent at Wat Pa, in Chandler, AZ, Sunday October 24. Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). Ok Phansa Day marks the end of the Buddhist lent and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, this year Oct 23. Wat Pa, a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple, celebrated Ok Phansa Day on October 24.    Photo by Jack Kurtz
    OkPansaDay015.jpg
  • 24 OCTOBER 2010 - CHANDLER, AZ:  A Thai family prays over an offering of rice during the Ok Phansa services to mark the end of Buddhist Lent at Wat Pa, in Chandler, AZ, Sunday October 24. Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). Ok Phansa Day marks the end of the Buddhist lent and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, this year Oct 23. Wat Pa, a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple, celebrated Ok Phansa Day on October 24.    Photo by Jack Kurtz
    OkPansaDay010.jpg
  • 24 OCTOBER 2010 - CHANDLER, AZ:  SOMKIET, (green shirt) presents food to Ajahn MAHA AMPORN during the Ok Phansa services to mark the end of Buddhist Lent at Wat Pa, in Chandler, AZ, Sunday October 24. Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). Ok Phansa Day marks the end of the Buddhist lent and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, this year Oct 23. Wat Pa, a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple, celebrated Ok Phansa Day on October 24.    Photo by Jack Kurtz
    OkPansaDay022.jpg
  • 24 OCTOBER 2010 - CHANDLER, AZ:  SOMKIET, (green shirt) presents food to Ajahn MAHA AMPORN during the Ok Phansa services to mark the end of Buddhist Lent at Wat Pa, in Chandler, AZ, Sunday October 24. Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). Ok Phansa Day marks the end of the Buddhist lent and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, this year Oct 23. Wat Pa, a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple, celebrated Ok Phansa Day on October 24.    Photo by Jack Kurtz
    OkPansaDay021.jpg
  • 24 OCTOBER 2010 - CHANDLER, AZ: A woman makes a financial contribution to the temple during the Ok Phansa services to mark the end of Buddhist Lent at Wat Pa, in Chandler, AZ, Sunday October 24. Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). Ok Phansa Day marks the end of the Buddhist lent and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, this year Oct 23. Wat Pa, a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple, celebrated Ok Phansa Day on October 24.    Photo by Jack Kurtz
    OkPansaDay020.jpg
  • 24 OCTOBER 2010 - CHANDLER, AZ: A woman makes a financial contribution to the temple during the Ok Phansa services to mark the end of Buddhist Lent at Wat Pa, in Chandler, AZ, Sunday October 24. Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). Ok Phansa Day marks the end of the Buddhist lent and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, this year Oct 23. Wat Pa, a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple, celebrated Ok Phansa Day on October 24.    Photo by Jack Kurtz
    OkPansaDay019.jpg
  • 24 OCTOBER 2010 - CHANDLER, AZ: Ajahn RAYWAT collects rice during the "tak bat" or donation of rice to the monks, an important part of Buddhist merit making, during the Ok Phansa services to mark the end of Buddhist Lent at Wat Pa, in Chandler, AZ, Sunday October 24. Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). Ok Phansa Day marks the end of the Buddhist lent and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, this year Oct 23. Wat Pa, a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple, celebrated Ok Phansa Day on October 24.    Photo by Jack Kurtz
    OkPansaDay018.jpg
  • 24 OCTOBER 2010 - CHANDLER, AZ: Ajahn RAYWAT collects rice during the "tak bat" or donation of rice to the monks, an important part of Buddhist merit making, during the Ok Phansa services to mark the end of Buddhist Lent at Wat Pa, in Chandler, AZ, Sunday October 24. Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). Ok Phansa Day marks the end of the Buddhist lent and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, this year Oct 23. Wat Pa, a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple, celebrated Ok Phansa Day on October 24.    Photo by Jack Kurtz
    OkPansaDay017.jpg
  • 24 OCTOBER 2010 - CHANDLER, AZ: Ajahn RAYWAT collects rice during the "tak bat" or donation of rice to the monks, an important part of Buddhist merit making, during the Ok Phansa services to mark the end of Buddhist Lent at Wat Pa, in Chandler, AZ, Sunday October 24. Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). Ok Phansa Day marks the end of the Buddhist lent and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, this year Oct 23. Wat Pa, a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple, celebrated Ok Phansa Day on October 24.    Photo by Jack Kurtz
    OkPansaDay016.jpg
  • 24 OCTOBER 2010 - CHANDLER, AZ: Ajahn RAYWAT collects rice during the "tak bat" or donation of rice to the monks, an important part of Buddhist merit making, during the Ok Phansa services to mark the end of Buddhist Lent at Wat Pa, in Chandler, AZ, Sunday October 24. Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). Ok Phansa Day marks the end of the Buddhist lent and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, this year Oct 23. Wat Pa, a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple, celebrated Ok Phansa Day on October 24.    Photo by Jack Kurtz
    OkPansaDay014.jpg
  • 24 OCTOBER 2010 - CHANDLER, AZ: Ajahn RAYWAT collects rice during the "tak bat" or donation of rice to the monks, an important part of Buddhist merit making, during the Ok Phansa services to mark the end of Buddhist Lent at Wat Pa, in Chandler, AZ, Sunday October 24. Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). Ok Phansa Day marks the end of the Buddhist lent and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, this year Oct 23. Wat Pa, a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple, celebrated Ok Phansa Day on October 24.    Photo by Jack Kurtz
    OkPansaDay013.jpg
  • 24 OCTOBER 2010 - CHANDLER, AZ: Ajahn RAYWAT collects rice during the "tak bat" or donation of rice to the monks, an important part of Buddhist merit making, during the Ok Phansa services to mark the end of Buddhist Lent at Wat Pa, in Chandler, AZ, Sunday October 24. Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). Ok Phansa Day marks the end of the Buddhist lent and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, this year Oct 23. Wat Pa, a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple, celebrated Ok Phansa Day on October 24.    Photo by Jack Kurtz
    OkPansaDay012.jpg
  • 24 OCTOBER 2010 - CHANDLER, AZ: PRAPART carries a bowl that holds donations made to the temple during the Ok Phansa services to mark the end of Buddhist Lent at Wat Pa, in Chandler, AZ, Sunday October 24. Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). Ok Phansa Day marks the end of the Buddhist lent and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, this year Oct 23. Wat Pa, a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple, celebrated Ok Phansa Day on October 24.    Photo by Jack Kurtz
    OkPansaDay011.jpg
  • 24 OCTOBER 2010 - CHANDLER, AZ: Ajahn RAYWAT leads prayers during the Ok Phansa services to mark the end of Buddhist Lent at Wat Pa, in Chandler, AZ, Sunday October 24. Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). Ok Phansa Day marks the end of the Buddhist lent and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, this year Oct 23. Wat Pa, a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple, celebrated Ok Phansa Day on October 24.    Photo by Jack Kurtz
    OkPansaDay009.jpg
  • 24 OCTOBER 2010 - CHANDLER, AZ: Ajahn RAYWAT leads prayers during the Ok Phansa services to mark the end of Buddhist Lent at Wat Pa, in Chandler, AZ, Sunday October 24. Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). Ok Phansa Day marks the end of the Buddhist lent and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, this year Oct 23. Wat Pa, a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple, celebrated Ok Phansa Day on October 24.    Photo by Jack Kurtz
    OkPansaDay008.jpg
  • 24 OCTOBER 2010 - CHANDLER, AZ: Women pray during the Ok Phansa services to mark the end of Buddhist Lent at Wat Pa, in Chandler, AZ, Sunday October 24. Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). Ok Phansa Day marks the end of the Buddhist lent and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, this year Oct 23. Wat Pa, a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple, celebrated Ok Phansa Day on October 24.    Photo by Jack Kurtz
    OkPansaDay007.jpg
  • 24 OCTOBER 2010 - CHANDLER, AZ: A man prays during the Ok Phansa services to mark the end of Buddhist Lent at Wat Pa, in Chandler, AZ, Sunday October 24. Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). Ok Phansa Day marks the end of the Buddhist lent and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, this year Oct 23. Wat Pa, a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple, celebrated Ok Phansa Day on October 24.    Photo by Jack Kurtz
    OkPansaDay006.jpg
  • 24 OCTOBER 2010 - CHANDLER, AZ: A man prays during the Ok Phansa services to mark the end of Buddhist Lent at Wat Pa, in Chandler, AZ, Sunday October 24. Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). Ok Phansa Day marks the end of the Buddhist lent and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, this year Oct 23. Wat Pa, a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple, celebrated Ok Phansa Day on October 24.    Photo by Jack Kurtz
    OkPansaDay005.jpg
  • 24 OCTOBER 2010 - CHANDLER, AZ: A woman lights candles during prayers during the Ok Phansa services to mark the end of Buddhist Lent at Wat Pa, in Chandler, AZ, Sunday October 24. Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). Ok Phansa Day marks the end of the Buddhist lent and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, this year Oct 23. Wat Pa, a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple, celebrated Ok Phansa Day on October 24.    Photo by Jack Kurtz
    OkPansaDay004.jpg
  • 24 OCTOBER 2010 - CHANDLER, AZ: Ajahn RAYWAT and Ajahn MAKA AMPORN in the meditation room before the start of prayers during the Ok Phansa services to mark the end of Buddhist Lent at Wat Pa, in Chandler, AZ, Sunday October 24. Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). Ok Phansa Day marks the end of the Buddhist lent and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, this year Oct 23. Wat Pa, a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple, celebrated Ok Phansa Day on October 24.    Photo by Jack Kurtz
    OkPansaDay003.jpg
  • 24 OCTOBER 2010 - CHANDLER, AZ: Ajahn MAHA AMPORN leads prayers during the Ok Phansa services to mark the end of Buddhist Lent at Wat Pa, in Chandler, AZ, Sunday October 24. Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). Ok Phansa Day marks the end of the Buddhist lent and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, this year Oct 23. Wat Pa, a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple, celebrated Ok Phansa Day on October 24.    Photo by Jack Kurtz
    OkPansaDay002.jpg
  • 24 OCTOBER 2010 - CHANDLER, AZ: Ajahn MAHA AMPORN leads prayers during the Ok Phansa services to mark the end of Buddhist Lent at Wat Pa, in Chandler, AZ, Sunday October 24. Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). Ok Phansa Day marks the end of the Buddhist lent and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month, this year Oct 23. Wat Pa, a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple, celebrated Ok Phansa Day on October 24.    Photo by Jack Kurtz
    OkPansaDay001.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: Buddhist monks climb the stairs to Wat Phra Phuttabat during the Tak Bat Dok Mai in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014050.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: Buddhist monks climb the stairs to Wat Phra Phuttabat during the Tak Bat Dok Mai in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014049.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: Monks receive flowers the Buddhist faithful during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014048.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: Monks receive flowers the Buddhist faithful during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014047.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: Monks receive flowers the Buddhist faithful during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014046.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: Monks receive flowers the Buddhist faithful during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014045.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND:  A woman puts flowers into a monk's bowl during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014043.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People wait to present flowers to the monks before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014041.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People wash monks' feet to make merit during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014040.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People wash monks' feet to make merit during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014039.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND:  A woman prays before presenting a monk with flowers during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014038.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND:  People present monks with flowers during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014036.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People wait to present flowers to the monks before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014035.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People wait to present flowers to the monks before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014034.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People wash monks' feet to make merit during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014032.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People present monks with flowers during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014031.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People wash monks' feet to make merit during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014030.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People present monks with flowers during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014029.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People present monks with flowers during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014028.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People present monks with flowers during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014027.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People present monks with flowers during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014026.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People present monks with flowers during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014025.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People present monks with flowers during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014024.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People present monks with flowers during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014023.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People wait to present flowers to the monks before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014022.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People wait to present flowers to the monks before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014021.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People wait to present flowers to the monks before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014020.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: Buddhist monks line up before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014019.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People put flowers on the temple's car during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014018.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People put flowers on the temple's car during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014017.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People put flowers on the temple's car during the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014015.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: A man makes merit by releasing birds before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014014.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: A man makes merit by releasing birds before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014013.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People wait to present flowers to the monks before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014012.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People wait to present flowers to the monks before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014011.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: A toy vendor walks down the street before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014010.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People wait to present flowers to the monks before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014009.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People ring prayers bells before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."<br />
    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014008.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People ring prayers bells before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."<br />
    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014007.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People pray at the chanting service before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."<br />
    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014004.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: A woman prays before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014003.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: A woman and her daughter pray before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014002.jpg
  • 12 JULY 2014 - PHRA PHUTTHABAT, SARABURI, THAILAND: People pray and make merit in the chapel housing a footprint of the Buddha before the Tak Bat Dok Mai at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi province of Thailand. Wat Phra Phutthabat is famous for the way it marks the beginning of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The temple is highly revered in Thailand because it houses a footstep of the Buddha. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) people come to the temple to "make merit" and present the monks there with dancing lady ginger flowers, which only bloom in the weeks leading up Vassa. They also present monks with candles and wash their feet. During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monks by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa "Buddhist Lent."     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    TakBatDokMai2014001.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  People pour molten wax into candle molds to make merit at Wat Mahabut on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The candles are then presented to the temple. Now monks rely on electric lights, but traditionally the temples relied on candles provided by the community. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721060.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  People pour molten wax into candle molds to make merit at Wat Mahabut on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. The candles are then presented to the temple. Now monks rely on electric lights, but traditionally the temples relied on candles provided by the community. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721059.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People wait in line to make merit at Wat Mahabut on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."          PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721058.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People wait in line to make merit at Wat Mahabut on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."          PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721057.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A man and woman pray at Wat Mahabut on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721056.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A man and woman pray at Wat Mahabut on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721055.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A family makes merit and presents a senior monk with alms at Wat Mahabut on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721054.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A family makes merit and presents a senior monk with alms at Wat Mahabut on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721053.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A family makes merit and presents a senior monk with alms at Wat Mahabut on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721052.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A family makes merit and presents a senior monk with alms at Wat Mahabut on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721051.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A woman hits a prayer gong at Wat Mahabut on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."        PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721049.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Women make merit and pray at Wat Benchamabophit on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."         PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721048.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: People make merit and pray at Wat Benchamabophit on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."         PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721047.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A young man entering the monastery for Vassa prays in front of his relatives at Wat Benchamabophit on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. Men frequently enter the monastery and become Buddhist monks for Vassa. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721046.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A young man entering the monastery for Vassa prays before his parents at Wat Benchamabophit on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. Men frequently enter the monastery and become Buddhist monks for Vassa. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721045.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A young man entering the monastery for Vassa prays before his parents at Wat Benchamabophit on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. Men frequently enter the monastery and become Buddhist monks for Vassa. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721044.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A man being ordained as a Buddhist monk at Wat Benchamabophit on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. Men frequently enter the monastery and become monks for Vassa. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721041.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A man places a garland around the neck of a man being ordained as a Buddhist monk at Wat Benchamabophit on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. Men frequently enter the monastery and become monks for Vassa. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721040.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A young man's family cuts his hair before he became ordained as a Buddhist monk at Wat Benchamabophit on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. Men frequently enter the monastery and become monks for Vassa. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721036.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A young man's family cuts his hair before he became ordained as a Buddhist monk at Wat Benchamabophit on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. Men frequently enter the monastery and become monks for Vassa. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721035.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A young man's family cuts his hair before he became ordained as a Buddhist monk at Wat Benchamabophit on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. Men frequently enter the monastery and become monks for Vassa. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721034.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A young man's family cuts his hair before he became ordained as a Buddhist monk at Wat Benchamabophit on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. Men frequently enter the monastery and become monks for Vassa. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721033.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   The families of men entering the monastery for Vassa have their hair cut by members of their families at Wat Benchamabophit on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. Men frequently enter the monastery and become Buddhist monks for Vassa. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721032.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   The families of men entering the monastery for Vassa have their hair cut by members of their families at Wat Benchamabophit on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. Men frequently enter the monastery and become Buddhist monks for Vassa. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721031.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A young man's family cuts his hair before he became ordained as a Buddhist monk at Wat Benchamabophit on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. Men frequently enter the monastery and become monks for Vassa. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721030.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A young man's family cuts his hair before he became ordained as a Buddhist monk at Wat Benchamabophit on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. Men frequently enter the monastery and become monks for Vassa. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721029.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Buddhist monks at Wat Benchamabophit wait for people to present them with alms on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721028.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A Buddhist monk at Wat Benchamabophit waits for people to present them with alms on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721027.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   A Buddhist monk walks along a street near Wat Benchamabophit on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721026.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Buddhist monks at Wat Benchamabophit wait for people to present them with alms on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721023.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Buddhist monks at Wat Benchamabophit wait for people to present them with alms on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721022.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Buddhist monks at Wat Benchamabophit wait for people to present them with alms on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721021.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Buddhist monks at Wat Benchamabophit wait for people to present them with alms on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721020.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Buddhist monks walk in and out of Wat Benchamabophit on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721019.jpg
  • 21 JULY 2013 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:   Buddhist monks walk in and out of Wat Benchamabophit on the first day of Vassa, the three-month annual retreat observed by Theravada monks and nuns. On the first day of Vassa (or Buddhist Lent) many Buddhists visit their temples to "make merit." During Vassa, monks and nuns remain inside monasteries and temple grounds, devoting their time to intensive meditation and study. Laypeople support the monastic sangha by bringing food, candles and other offerings to temples. Laypeople also often observe Vassa by giving up something, such as smoking or eating meat. For this reason, westerners sometimes call Vassa the "Buddhist Lent."      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    BuddhistLentBKK0721018.jpg
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Jack Kurtz: Photojournalist & Travel Photographer

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