Twenty-Two Hundred Friends

Up in the mountains in middle Myanmar, I visit a Buddhist monastery and education centre. A place I have visited a few times before.

Over one thousand monks, more than four hundred nuns and six hundred civilian students with the assistance of over eighty teachers. An incredible self-sufficient village actually.

Dedicated to Buddhist studies, meditation and general education including English. The teachers are young and very well educated and the younger students are enthusiastic and excited to learn.

English is well spoken here and much more advanced compared to the rest of the country.

Today the head monk decided to assemble everyone just for me. Lines of monks, nuns, and students came in from all directions with military precision. Forming the largest group of people I personally have photographed.

Nothing like twenty-two hundred people standing at attention and saying “Good Morning” to you. I was overwhelmed and honoured to be in their presence.