Little Monk

Novices can be taken into the monasteries as young as five years old. They start by learning the holy texts, which they must chant while rocking back and forth in dim temples, heady with incense. Prayer wheels are devices used by religious followers of the Buddha for spreading spiritual blessings and good will. Rolls of thin paper, imprinted with a mantra (a sacred text or invocation), are placed in a protective container usually made of brass or bronze, though more precious metals may be used.This photograph is of a young monk posing near the row of prayer wheels. 03/03/2007 11:40:35