Bhutan, Buddhist Country

The spiritual culture of Buddhism permeates every aspect of Bhutanese life. Monks play a significant roll in the life of the community presiding over religious festivals and rites and providing counsel, guidance and solace.
The foundation that the concept of Gross National Happiness stands on is that everyone wants to be happy. The respect and reverence found in Buddhism for all beings and for nature is mirrored in the four pillars of GNH: respect and for the natural enviroment, a sustainable economy, preservation of the culture and good governance.

Pictured here are what the locals refer to as "little monks". They are housed and schooled in the tenets of Buddhism in a monastary high on a hill overlooking the major town of Thimphu.

In the above pictures you see, along with a portrait, "little monks" playing marbles, practicing on a tiny flute and washing up for lunch.