Monk

Intricate carvings adorn the marble pillars inside a Jain temple in Ahmedabad, western India. Jainism is an ancient religion whose followers often renounce the world to lead a life of extreme austerity. Most of them are women, some as young as 8.

‘Happiness is in your hands’: Young Jain women continue to renounce the world

Sacred Nation

The Jain religious community in India makes up less than than 1% of the population. A steady number of them — even children — are renouncing the material world to join Jain monasteries.

The World

They were married in the morning, now this couple makes their first Buddhist offering together

Lifestyle & Belief

Changing Myanmar means new dynamic between monks, government

Lifestyle & Belief

Monks, scientists partner to reveal hidden messages beneath centuries-old texts

The History and Future of Government-Monastery Relations in a Changing Myanmar

Lifestyle & Belief

A Visit to Zograf Monastery at Mount Athos

There’s an autonomous region in Greece that’s home to the “Holy Mountain.” It’s one of the holiest sites for Orthodox Christians. About 2,000 monks live there. But anyone can visit, as long as they’re male […]

The Buddhist Path for Young Men in Myanmar

Lifestyle & Belief

About a half million people in Myanmar, also known as Burma, devote their lives to Buddhist practice and live in monasteries. Bruce Wallace has the story of two monks who are about to “graduate” and are trying to figure out what’s next for them.

The World

Deciphering Ancient Manuscripts at Saint Catherine’s Monastery

Arts, Culture & Media

The Geo Quiz takes us to a monastery this time. Monks have lived for at least 17 centuries at Saint Catherine’s monastery – where monks have lived for at least 17 centuries.

The Jazz Genius and the Heiress: Thelonious Monk’s Connection To English Aristocrat

Arts, Culture & Media

Anchor Marco Werman speaks with writer Hannah Rothschild about the subject of her new book, “The Baroness.”

The World

Monks protest in Tibet

Lifestyle & Belief

Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with Jigme Ngapo (NF), director of the Tibetan Service of the US-funded Radio Free Asia, about the protests in Tibet this week; Buddhist monks there have reportedly demonstrated for two days, demanding independence from China.