Photo Story · Myanmar

Seasons of Wisdom.

Three portraits of monks at three seasons of a single life. Spring, summer, winter of the spirit.

Myanmar, a country where spirituality and culture intertwine, hosts a unique tradition that has been a cornerstone of its identity for centuries. Myanmar is one of the most Buddhist countries in the world.

When visiting, I encountered many monks. Life as a monk is a journey that shapes people from their early years into their last breath. This series of three portraits, combined with some contextual footage, captures the essence of that journey, showcasing monks at different stages of their lives. Each image tells a story of growth, learning, and the pursuit of wisdom.

Innocence's first journey: Shinbyu.

The first portrait, "Innocence's first journey: Shinbyu", was captured at a Shinbyu ceremony. The Shinbyu represents the transformation to adulthood and spiritual awakening. The portrait introduces a young boy, dressed in ceremonial attire, standing at the beginning of his spiritual journey. A time of innocence and curiosity. When taking the picture, I tried to figure out what he was thinking and feeling. A young boy, a chosen path. Totally different than what I could imagine as a childhood. We looked at eachother for a while when I lowered my camera. So close in distance, but worlds apart.

We kept looking at eachother, in the chaos of the ceremonie around us. The second picture clearly shows that chaos, combined with a calm look of the little 'chosen one'. Surrounded by chaos, you can see that he is just taking it as it comes. He has no idea what to expect, but also no choice, his future is chosen. It was one of the moments I truly felt like an early day explorer that was allowed a peek into another culture.

During the Shinbyu ceremony, parents often experience a complex mix of emotions. Pride is a predominant feeling, as the ceremony marks an important milestone in their child's spiritual journey and growth into adulthood. The preparation for the Shinbyu can be both financially and emotionally taxing for the family, as it involves considerable expense and organisation to honour the tradition appropriately.

During the ceremony, the head of the young children is shaved. It symbolises detachment from the material world, humility, equality, cleansing, and commitment. In the next stage, as you can see in the picture above, they begin wearing the traditional Buddhist clothing.

Quest towards enlightenment.

The second portrait, "Quest towards enlightenment", brings us into the world of a young monk, around 25 years old. He is years into a life of study, meditation, and the daily practice of Dhamma. Not a beginner, but still becoming. There is a maturity here that has nothing to do with age.

And yet his eyes give him away. The curiosity, the shyness, the quiet energy. He is still young. Still human. Still somewhere in the middle of it all.

Every morning he begins before dawn. The same commitment, the same practice, again and again by choice. I can't help but trying to imagine what that would truly be like. What stays with me is the uncompromising dedication. It is that he will do this again tomorrow. And the day after. Without question.

The deep calm.

The final portrait, "The deep calm", presents an old monk. His gaze penetrates the lens with the depth of a lifetime spent in contemplation. This is the final chapter of his existence, where the pursuit of wisdom has transformed into profound enlightenment. He spent decades in devotion, teaching, and reflection. This image is a powerful reminder of the peace and fulfilment that come with a life of pure dedication. It symbolises the end of a journey, where the monk becomes a beacon of wisdom, guiding others on their path.