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<blockquote data-quote="Beyond Borders" data-source="post: 1203191" data-attributes="member: 2067">^ I think this means only the coach actually became a monk for the long-term, if even that - I think that's why they specifically stated he'll be ordained as a monk. The article seems to deliberately fail to fully explain that the boys will kind of &quot;play&quot; the role of monk as &quot;novices&quot; for a couple weeks or so, if I remember correctly, and go back to living a regular life. In this case the kids may even just be ordained for the ceremony.It is actually common for most Thai males to do this at least once in their life to win &quot;merit&quot; for their parents. It's heart warming to see the traditions still alive; unfortunately, as the article might suggest, many young Thai men don't take it all too seriously and kind of go through the motions for their parents (not that I'm suggesting the kids don't mean it this time). In fact I run with a lot of Thai guys and other than putting on a good show they don't take much of what Buddhism has to say at all seriously.In any case, there's, sadly, a lot of hypocrisy and lack of depth in modern Thai Buddhism that is a bit sad to behold if you scratch below the glittering gold foil surface. Lack of depth is in fact a common criticism of the Thai psyche overall, especially in modern times.I got to give respect to the coach if he did convert fully to monkhood over this out of respect for a life he no doubt felt somewhat responsible for ending, though. Big move; although, mixed public opinion certainly could have played enough of a role to make it a wise decision on multiple fronts. Anyhow, commendable show of respect and gratitude from all involved. I'm sure in this case the gesture is extremely genuine and heartfelt.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Beyond Borders, post: 1203191, member: 2067"] ^ I think this means only the coach actually became a monk for the long-term, if even that - I think that's why they specifically stated he'll be ordained as a monk. The article seems to deliberately fail to fully explain that the boys will kind of "play" the role of monk as "novices" for a couple weeks or so, if I remember correctly, and go back to living a regular life. In this case the kids may even just be ordained for the ceremony. It is actually common for most Thai males to do this at least once in their life to win "merit" for their parents. It's heart warming to see the traditions still alive; unfortunately, as the article might suggest, many young Thai men don't take it all too seriously and kind of go through the motions for their parents (not that I'm suggesting the kids don't mean it this time). In fact I run with a lot of Thai guys and other than putting on a good show they don't take much of what Buddhism has to say at all seriously. In any case, there's, sadly, a lot of hypocrisy and lack of depth in modern Thai Buddhism that is a bit sad to behold if you scratch below the glittering gold foil surface. Lack of depth is in fact a common criticism of the Thai psyche overall, especially in modern times. I got to give respect to the coach if he did convert fully to monkhood over this out of respect for a life he no doubt felt somewhat responsible for ending, though. Big move; although, mixed public opinion certainly could have played enough of a role to make it a wise decision on multiple fronts. Anyhow, commendable show of respect and gratitude from all involved. I'm sure in this case the gesture is extremely genuine and heartfelt. [/QUOTE]

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