Monks Are Just Like Us

In Chiang Mai, I think there are as many temples as 7 Elevens (which have wonderful snacks but no gas, and are everywhere in Tokyo and Thailand). It was wonderful to go for a walk and happen upon a gorgeous temple, many without a soul around.

My understanding is that Buddhists value virtues such as loving kindness, patience, generosity, and wisdom and compassion are toward the top of the list. I aspire to all these virtues and felt a little starstruck whenever I saw a monk.

Like the “Stars Are Just Like Us” page in People magazine, every time I saw a monk doing something mundane, I thought: they’re just like us! They shop for groceries, stack plastic chairs, use a cellphone, fly on an airplane, ride a bus, take the subway. Later, in Bangkok I saw a woman monk dressed in a maroon robe. In Chiang Mai, I saw only male monks. They were dressed in mustard yellow robes. One day, I would love to sit down and discuss important life questions with a monk.