Becoming a Nun

Myanmar (Burma) December 10, 2018

In the Buddhist culture, it is an honour for a family to have their young daughter become a nun, if only for a short period of time. This also applies to young boys becoming monks.

As teenagers, some may choose to return to the nunnery/monastery and continue this life of faith and dedication.

I have met older adults that for various personal reasons, have decided to give up life as civilians and become nuns or monks for the rest of their lives.

Recently, I was visiting my nun friends when I’m was informed that a woman was going to become a nun that day. I have always wanted to document the before and after as someone made the transition.

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Today’s subject is a 43 years old woman. She was married and is now separated and divorced. Putting her past life behind, she was genuinely excited to finally become a nun.

The transition began with the cutting off of her long beautiful hair, then shaving her head clean. Her civilian clothing is replaced with the traditional pink nun robe.

   

Ceremonial prayers and blessings are performed by the elder nuns and donations are made. The transition is complete, and now she is a nun.

The rest of her life will be dedicated to prayers and studies with hopes of eternal peace and happiness.