Until January 6th, the exhibition “Journey to the Child Monks” takes place at the Museum. A dozen black and white photographs of these young children from Nepal are on display. Documentary filmmaker and photographer Isabelle Garcia-Chopin created images that represent a typical day in their lives. It is a way to get acquainted with the Buddhist way of life, which is in no way comparable to ours.
In the photographs, it is not uncommon for a child to smile, especially during meals. You can see several of them having fun or enjoying their food, without utensils, with their plate in front of them on the floor. Or directly from the pot for those who are indulgent.
The instillation of Buddhist teaching is the main activity. It begins from a very young age. This is explained next to a frame depicting young monks studying. Another photo focuses on a child’s face with a mantra covering his mouth. This writing medium transposes the Dharma, Buddha’s doctrine. Continuously working. The elders take the place of teachers when they are absent. But when the cat’s away, the mice will play: one picture contrasts the seriousness of a young monk covering his ears with his hands. Next to him, a comrade tries to distract him from his work with laughter.
Community life imposes solidarity between monks. Thus, everyone must participate in household chores. As proof, the older ones show the younger ones how to wash the floor. The child monks don't forget to open up to the world. Every day, they rise at dawn (5:30 a.m.) to pray. Then repeat throughout the day. Like in the Shedschen Monastery, where the well-being of all living beings is hoped for.
The young monks also allow themselves some relaxation moments. However, the atmosphere remains calm. They trade a liturgical book for an entertainment magazine to read together. A few moments of peace before returning to a (very) heavy study program. The Dharma, English, Nepali, Chinese, Tibetan, mathematics...
