The Photography of Dr. Jeff Harper

The son of family friends decided to enter the monkhood at Wat Bowonniwet Vihara, a very sacred Wat where many former Thai Kings were ordained.

All the accoutrements for the ceremonial cutting of the hair are laid out in advance.

A special moment with your family there to support you.

Family and friends take turns snipping the young man's hair.

He is not formally a monk yet, so it's OK for a woman to touch him.

A wonderful experience for this young man.

It is both a solemn time and a fun and joyous time.

All your school friends and family come to celebrate your Big Day!

The monk with whom you will study, has the honor of shaving the head of the young nan.

As the monk shaves the boy's head, the proud parents look on.

The old monk has done this before!

The shaved hair is saved.

Finishing up.

The eyebrows are shaved as well.

After the head shaving . . . the saved hair.

At last . . . the follower of the Buddha is revealed!

Looking like a new person!

Off through the beautiful Wat to the ordination ceremony.

Three times walking around the big temple.

Wat Bowonniwet Vihara is a very famous and revered Wat.  Our young monk will have a wonderful spiritual experience here.

 Wat Bowonniwet Vihara golden chedi under repair.

A serene place.

A very well-maintained, and well-supported ancient Wat.

Temple. Monk. Stairs.

Buddha.  Window.

Wat. Monk. Door.

The living areas of the monks.

Monks personal stuff.

Around the Wat.

Such a beautiful place to study Buddhism.  Lucky boy!

An altar among the monks houses.

Yes, even in a Wat there are mundane chores that need tending.

Monks quarters.

There is a world outside the Wat . . . or so it seems.

A cat's life in the Wat.

And so, we left the young man on his spiritual journey.  We will check in once in a while for support . . .