Instant Zen (2014) Painting by Régine Peltier

"Buddhism is the fourth most important religion in the world. It is mainly found in Asia where the monks are the perfect representation. The Buddhist monk leads a simple life where meditation holds an important place Buddhist monk: a choice of life to reach nirvana A Buddhist monk makes the decision alone to live in a monastery and to follow the discipline of Buddha. He is at the beginning a novice, observes and learns the rules of life of the monks. Then as soon as he reaches the age of 20 years old, he respects the monastic code, called the patimokkha. He then becomes a bikkhu (bukkhuni for women) and makes sure to always remain peaceful, humble and act wisely. On the other hand, a Buddhist monk is not obliged to do so. remain all his life as one of the teachings of Buddha states: the freedom of choice of each A summary life governed by rules Whether in Nepal, Thailand or elsewhere, a Buddhist monk undertakes to observe a mode he simple life governed by 227 rules. He also agrees to respect 5 precepts of life: do not kill, be it a person or an animal do not lie abstinence do not take substances that alter the mind: neither alcohol nor drugs do not steal He accepts in the same time to renounce all external possessions and attachments. To symbolize this act, he shaves his head. A strong sign that marks a change, a desire to devote oneself entirely to one's spiritual life. Her simple way of life is even reflected in her dress, called civara, which consists of a dress, the uttarasanga, a loincloth, the antaravasaka and a toga, the sanghati. All in an orange-saffron color. Even if he has renounced all personal property, the Buddhist monk still has some essential daily objects. A bowl, to receive the offerings, a razor, a needle and a water filter are the only things he can have. Within the monastery, accommodation is very basic. Depending on the location, the monk sleeps on the floor on a carpet that is often not very thick. Whatever the country, the daily life of a Buddhist monk is relatively the same. His day starts very very early, at 3 or 4 in the morning. As soon as he wakes up, he cleans his room and begins a session of meditation and prayer. Then he leaves the monastery with the other monks to go around the village, in silence, his bowl on his shoulder. Contrary to what one might think, they do not give alms but depend on the generosity of the population. As they pass by, the inhabitants slip rice, fruit, biscuits into their bowls… Back at the monastery, they take their first meal. We are early in the morning. Then a new mediation and prayer session begins before a second meal at the end of the morning, which will be the last of the day. It even happens that in some monasteries, there is only one meal a day. In the afternoon, a Buddhist monk is busy with various activities that can range from teaching Buddhism to school instruction to children, but also to the maintenance of the monastery and its grounds. They can also indulge in manual and craft activities. The end of the day is again devoted to meditation and prayer before going to sleep. In the monasteries, it is common to see children living with the monks, some of whom are even very young. There are two main reasons for their presence: the vocation or the will of their family. Indeed, bringing a child into the monastic order brings pride to the parents. It is also a way to bring good luck. A child can become a Buddhist monk from the age of 5. It also happens that the monks collect underprivileged children and take them under their wing. Until their majority, they are educated and instructed within the monastery and receive the teaching of Buddha." (source Odysway) Based on one of my photographs in Burma. The fervor of the apprentice monks commands respect. Oil.

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Moines BouddhistesAsieHuilePeinture Figurative