1. Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang, Laos, is an enchanting town in Southeast Asia featuring numerous Buddhist temples (Wats) and monks practicing their faith. It offers a unique chance to conserve with novices studying for full ordination. Daily studies include languages like English, which has grown popular among novices preparing for monastic life or a return to Lao society.
The easiest way to start a conversation with novices or monks is to spend a significant amount of time on the grounds of one of the many temples. In most cases you can approach one of the residents and ask a few questions about Buddhism to open a dialogue. After a few minutes, you will be immersed in a discussion about a variety of topics ranging from faith to your homeland.
Luang Prabang has seen a significant growth in tourism over the past few years. Be thoughtful in your approach to the temples and their residents. Remember that this is their place of worship and their home.
Buddha Statues
2. Mahabodhi Temple of Bodh Gaya, India
Bodh Gaya, India, is where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment. There are few places on earth that match the peacefulness of its Mahabodhi Temple, which was built at the Bodhi tree where the Buddha sat around 530 BCE. Visitors to hectic India will be particularly relaxed sitting among countless Buddhist monks who make journeys to India to pay respect to the Buddha and to collect falling leaves from the famous Bodhi tree.
If you’re lucky, you may be meditating next to the singing Thai monk who visits the temple regularly. He happens to have an affinity for tying Western music to Buddhist philosophy. You will likely hear: “Keep smilin’, keep shinin’, knowin’ you can always count of me, for sure,” or “Let it be, let it be; whisper words of wisdom, let it be.” The great philosopher will also help you deal with India’s stifling heat with his little bottle of Thai Ang Ki, which cools your skin when added to a sprinkling of water.
Buddhist Monks Relaxing at the Mahabodhi Temple
3. Vang Vieng, Laos
If you can remove yourself from the crowds of young backpackers who are rock climbing, tubing down the river, and watching Friends re-runs in the city’s restaurants, Vang Vieng offers an opportunity to learn a lot about the lives of Buddhist monks. You can wake up at the crack of dawn to offer alms to the lines of novices along the main street as they collect food for their temples. Later, you can attend prayer sessions at the local wats. At one temple, the monks invited us to partake in the prayer ritual and gave us subtle lessons in etiquette.
Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.
Photos © Gennaro Salamone
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Please contact him with questions, comments or inquiries regarding article or photograph submissions.