More than 150 aspiring monks received scholarships from Chaimongkol Temple after completing their “yokbali” test.
Abbot Panyarattanaporn presented the awards to the 167 novices on Sept. 26, the 34th anniversary of the death of Luang Poh Tho, the founder and former abbot of the South Pattaya temple.
Twenty-nine monks chanted and administered blessings for the occasion. The day also included lessons and activities on such things as love among family members, caring for the elderly and more. Those who attended received commemorative amulets.
The abbot said the day marked the 12th time scholarships were handed out to novices who passed the yokbali sanamluang test, certifying they earned bachelors and masters in religious studies.
Scholarships were funded by donations to the temple as well as educational sponsors.
Chaimongkol Temple has been a Buddhist school since 2000 and is where many youths continue their educations. Relatives always have been supportive of the temple and monks have always committed their time and effort to educate the novices.
