[ Ссылка ] - The original idea of men's entering monkhood during the Buddha's time or shortly later, was to attain liberation from worldly existence in accordance with the teachings of the Master.

Today, over 2,500 years after the passing away of the Buddha, though the ideal of becoming a Bhikkhu still remains very lofty among Buddhists of Thailand, in practice many young men enter monkhood for cultural rather than religious reasons.

With the passage of time, as is only natural, many of the ideals and practices of the early followers of the Buddha underwent modifications.

There are also many who join the Sangha through genuine love for a religious life and religious studies, or out of the wish to be of service to Buddhism and their country.

This link accounts for how Muay Thai evolved from being a mere sport to being an integral part of temple celebrations, festivals and broader Thai culture.

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