Working is good for us. It’s what motivates us. it’s what gives us clarity. It’s what gives us fulfillment. So, “they” say. “They” may be right if the Buddhist monk is just doing the next thing that is front of him. In many ways, his work in this image just illustrates and old saying about doing the next thing. It goes something like this. A young monk has just finished his meal. He says to his elder, “Father, I have finished my porridge.” The elder replies, “well, you better wash your bowl.”

There you have it.

This image was made at Wat Pho in Bangkok, Thailand. Or, Wat Phra Chetuphon as most Thais know it. It is the largest and grandest of the wats in Thailand. I’ve photographed it a number times, so now when I go back I really work hard to look for moments like the one in this picture.

I had to laugh. I wanted to get the spelling for name as Thai people know it. So I Googled it. The first reference was for a cultural way of saying “what for?” The second reference was in answer to why you eat the Vietnamese soup, Pho. The third reference was for the soup. And, finally…