World Megastore for Thai Monks Brings One-Stop Retail to Buddhism

[The Helper]

BANGKOK—On the western outskirts of town here, Hang Sangkapan sells everything the well-turned out Buddhist acolyte could need.

At the store, which translates as "Monk Supply," aisles are stocked with candles, Buddha statuettes (both seated and standing) as well as altar tables, CDs, books and innumerable odds and ends for monks—be they novice or abbot.

Thailand has 61.5 million Buddhists among its 65.9 million people, nearly all of them practicing in the Theravada tradition. Males are expected to take the robe at least once in their lives. With heads shaved, they spend a few weeks seeking offerings and learning the Buddha's teaching, disciplines and meditation.

For most, it is back to jeans and consumerism afterward. But some return and spend much of their lives in monasteries. According to the National Buddhism Office, Thailand had nearly 300,000 monks and more than 60,000 novice monks at the end of 2012.

Megastore for Thai Monks Brings One-Stop Retail to Buddhism

Bangkok's massive 'Monk Supply' carries all things material for the spiritually inclined.

www.wsj.com

 

[Accname]

I can confirm about the monks. They are everywhere there. Almost like rats and doves over here.

 

[FireCat]

Well, good for them.

Almost like rats and doves over here.

But they don't have a retail store. Do they?

 

[The Helper]

Now they do. Monks Mart

 

[FireCat]

Yes! But I meant the rats and the doves lol

 

[The Helper]

For Great Justice!