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Daily Life


Daily Life
Photo Information
Copyright: Skye Soroush (fireflyz) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 406 W: 24 N: 297] (2079)
Genre: People
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-05-20
Categories: Daily Life
Camera: Nikon D 70, Nikkor 18-70mm DX, UV
Exposure: f/7.0, 1/80 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Monks [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2005-08-04 12:25
Viewed: 1160
Points: 15
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Start of another day in Louang Prabang..


about the monks:

When the pre-dawn darkness is dispelled by morning light, the monks leave the monastery grounds to begin their pindapata, their food-gathering rounds. They walk silently, eyes downcast, barefoot, along the lanes and streets of the adjacent neighbourhood. They carry their alms bowl, often suspended by a sling across one shoulder. They stop only when they are respectfully and quietly addressed by a layperson waiting at the side of the road to place food offerings in his bowl.

It is an important part of Buddhist belief that one earns merit by providing food (and other necessities) to the monks. Laypersons offer the monks ready-to-eat food of the best quality, such as: fragrant rice or sticky rice, barbecued chicken, pork, fish, curries, soups, as well as cartons of milk, fruit juices, hard-boiled eggs, cakes, cookies, fruits and candies. Some layperson offer food, sometimes along with flowers, every morning. Some do so only on special occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries of the deaths of close relatives or loved ones.

By 7.30 a.m. the monks have usually completed their rounds. They return to the monastery with (usually) full bowls. Always food is shared with the dek wat, the temple boys who live at the monastery and assist the monks in their housekeeping, in care of the grounds and in running errands. And food is shared with the temple dogs and cats, as well as with anybody else who happens to be around at meal-time.



Hope you like..
regards,
Skye
ngythanh has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To Peeotr: Thanks for reminding me..fireflyz 1 08-04 18:20
To wishnugaruda: Daily Life..fireflyz 1 08-04 13:47
To filip54852: Thanks Filip!fireflyz 1 08-04 13:44
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Critiques [Translate]

Sweet picture. I really like the line of the monks. Look awesome. It is good hove have there a person on the bike too
Filip

What a impressive photo.
I like these, showing daily life and culture in other countries. I've seen this monks walking in a long line also in Thailand, but never had a camera with me at this time.
So I have to say thanks for your beautiful photo, which I like very much.
Bye
Sabine - wishnugaruda

I have seen many photos of this morning routine in L.P. but I really like this one becaue the line seems extra long to me and also I love the guy on the scooter. :) Very nicely done. Maybe a little more contrast. great job though. JP

  • Great 
  • t0mmm1 Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 953 W: 15 N: 811] (5430)
  • [2005-08-04 18:00]

Hi Skye, nice POV. It's amazing how many they are... and this perspective is good. I like the morning atmosphere (I guess) and the contrast between empty road with one man on the motorbike, and the full sidewalk painted in orange.

Good daily life photo but I would like to read more about what is happening...

Being in Lao, I failed to obtain the necessary info about "monk's life" as you did. You preapared your work as a journalist should perform his task. Or you are one, aren't you?

Regards,

Thanh

Hello, Skye!
Great composition with a "orange line" of walking monks and a biker driving along them. Well seen!
regards,
Greg

  • Great 
  • david Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 425 W: 284 N: 641] (3962)
  • [2005-12-23 18:54]

this is a great shot with the motorcyclist, but i'm going to go out on a limb and say that i don't like the bike being in the shot.

you've got a brilliant line of monks and i think the meaning of the shot would have made them feel more isolated or intriguing had they been alone ... the bike detracts from that.

you can see those monks all the way up the street ... that's awesome. i particularly like monk #5 with his head stuck out, looking at something. most are focused on their journey (inner and outer) ... he stands out.

great shot. well done!

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