This section shows the activities of Buddhist monks and nuns, although there are, of course, monks and nuns in other religions. In some countries, Burma for instance, the monastery acts as back up, where poor families send there offspring, as there they will fed and housed. It is not unusual in SE Asia for monks and novices to go into a monastery for a few months, then return to 'normal' life. It is expected of boys in some cultures. Nunnerys are less common, but again provide a 'fall back system'.

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