The minimum age for ordaining as a Buddhist monk is 20 years, reckoned from conception. However, boys under that age are allowed to ordain as novices (samanera), performing a ceremony such as Shinbyu in Burma. Novices shave their heads, wear the yellow robes, and observe ten basic precepts. Although no specific minimum age for novices is mentioned in the scriptures, traditionally boys as young as seven are accepted. This tradition follows the story of the Lord Buddha’s son, Rahula, who was allowed to become a novice at the age of seven. Monks follow 227 rules of discipline. Monk, Luang Prabang, Laos, 2010.
Mahut washing his elephant in the river, outside the village of Bann Ann. Laos, 2010.
Kuang Si Falls. Luang Prabang, Laos, 2010
![In Buddhism, alms or almsgiving is the respect given by a lay Buddhist to a Buddhist monk, nun, spiritually-developed person or other sentient being. It is not charity as presumed by Western interpreters. It is closer to a symbolic connection to the spiritual and to show humbleness and respect in the presence of normal society.[note 1] The visible presence of monks and nuns is a stabilizing influence. The act of alms giving assists in connecting the human to the monk or nun and what he/she represents.
Monks receiving alms in Luang Prabang, Laos, 2010.](https://photos.smugmug.com/Destinations/Laos/i-sCX9qrS/0/f715e09f/XL/x10-XL.jpg)
