this monastery is one of the biggest in Myanmar, more than 800 monks are studying and ordained there, and twice a day, they are called to the main hall to have their morning meals, as strict Buddhist practice does not allow eating after 12.

Therein comes a fascinating procession of hundreds of them, one after the other, following the head masters of the monastery, which proceeds within the columned hallway of the temple.
I have often spent a morning there, walking freely around, and peeking at activities, amidst the silence only interrupted by the reciting and learning of Buddhist scriptures. Volunteers work at the temple, to upkeep the premises or cook for the monks. Many are just novices, and though much respect is due to the masters and elders in robe, they can sometimes be unruly, or playful, a mark of life in many monasteries in Myanmar.