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Description
"Do not speak- unless it improves on silence"

I based this in a photo I took of a Buddhist monk begging for alms near Toudai-ji temple in Nara, Japan.

He is carrying a Buddhist rosary, or juzu, which usually has 108 beads and is said to represent the number of earthly passions and desires that blind and delude us. He also has with him a begging bowl, which is supposed to show the monk’s determination to give up earthly possessions. It used to be one of the only possessions that monks were allowed.

Finally you can see he is holding in his hand a small staff called shakujou, which usually has 6 metal rings that represent the Six States of Existence -- the cycle of samsara, of suffering and reincarnation. If you are interested, more information here: [link]

He remains completely motionless until you give him alms, then he rattles this staff around you while chanting.

Description
"Do not speak- unless it improves on silence"

I based this in a photo I took of a Buddhist monk begging for alms near Toudai-ji temple in Nara, Japan.

He is carrying a Buddhist rosary, or juzu, which usually has 108 beads and is said to represent the number of earthly passions and desires that blind and delude us. He also has with him a begging bowl, which is supposed to show the monk’s determination to give up earthly possessions. It used to be one of the only possessions that monks were allowed.

Finally you can see he is holding in his hand a small staff called shakujou, which usually has 6 metal rings that represent the Six States of Existence -- the cycle of samsara, of suffering and reincarnation. If you are interested, more information here: [link]

He remains completely motionless until you give him alms, then he rattles this staff around you while chanting.