116 - Matthieu RICARD (Born in 1946)

Matthieu RICARD (Born in 1946) Young novice monks at the elementary school of Shechen Monastery, Nepal, 2020 Art print, UltraChrome HDX pigment inks, Epson Premium Glossy paper, mounted on 2mm Dibond 60 x 78 cm Label on the back of the mount. This exhibition print may show slight marks or imperfections. Proceeds from the sale of this print will benefit the Karuna Shechen Association and its relief programs for victims of the August 26, 2026, floods in Nepal. Young novice monks at the elementary school of Shechen Monastery in Nepal. They follow the nine-year Nepalese national curriculum and also receive instruction in the fundamentals of Buddhism. At the end of their studies, they may choose to leave the monastery to pursue higher education or enter the workforce, or to remain at the monastery and embrace monastic life, as vows are not taken until the age of twenty. Most of those who choose to leave generally maintain excellent relations with the monastery. As can be seen in this photo, there is a wonderful atmosphere of camaraderie among these children. In the past thirty years or so, I have personally never witnessed a violent argument or a fight. Young novice monks from the elementary school of Shechen Monastery, Nepal. They follow Nepal’s nine-year national curriculum and are also taught the fundamentals of Buddhism. At the end of their studies, they can choose to leave the monastery to pursue higher education or enter the workforce, or remain at the monastery and embrace monastic life—though they do not take vows until the age of twenty. Most of those who choose to leave generally maintain excellent relations with the monastery. As can be seen in this picture, there is a wonderful atmosphere of camaraderie among these children. In the past 30 years or so, I personally have never witnessed a violent argument or a fight.