Monks 
At birth, a male child is considered a verita- ble treasure by the adoring Sinhalese mother. One salient fact is that the male child can be responsible for vesting large quanti- ties of blessed merit on the mother, beneficial to her spiritual development. The course of action required of the child is to indicate an interest in entering the Buddhist monkhood.
The parents gen- erally consult with an astrologer who casts the child's horoscope and the senior Buddhist monk in the temple where they worship. If it is considered auspicious by the astrologer, and the senior monk agrees to undertake the training, the parents pre- pare to offer the child to the monkhood. During the initial years of childhood the parents are asked to arrange for the child to work in the temple as an aide, when he will receive preliminary instruction on the undertakings of a monk. 

Initiation
Around the boy's l0th birthday the family members prepare to sever all ties with him. When the boy is admitted to the order of monks the ordination ceremony is moving and eventful, with the whole village participating in the ceremony. The boy is purified by dousing with water, is dressed in princely robes and is then taken in procession on a palanquin or an elephant. Along the route the boy receives veneration from the community. 

On his return to the temple, the family is cast aside and he is dressed in the simple saffron robe of a Buddhist monk. The boy becomes a novice and education. and virtuous living are his normal daily pratice. Higher education in a Buddhist university enables the novice to gain the station of a practising Bhikkhu. During the remaining years of his life a Bhikkhu may be called upon to participate in the administration of the temple and welfare of the community members worshipping it. 

A Buddhist Temple
The sacred land on which a temple Is built houses an array of buildings and structures. A Bo tree is the main landmark, besides the dagoba (relic chamber), which is a symmetrical half moon- shaped solid structure with a spire on the highest point. The image chamber contains images of the Buddha and his disciples. In most temples, this chamber contains artistic depictions of the life of the Buddha in his various incarnations. A simple preaching hall, which contains a belfry, is situated in the same compound.

The living quarters of the monks are adjacent to the other structures. Temple premises contain an image chamber of Hindu gods, most giving credence to the fact that Buddhism and Hinduism enjoy a spiritual unity. Hindus believe that the Buddha is an avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu, one of the major gods of the Hindu pantheon. Devotees have the opportunity to worship in the temple premises at all times. Special days are marked by the quarterly lunar cycle, when activities of worship within the temple are intensified. On a rotating basis, the meals of the monks are offered by the lay members of the temple. Other offerings, which are placed around each of the sacred structures, are flowers, incense, oil lamps, camphor and fruit. Each offering has a specific spiritual significance and is accompanied by audible chants. 

The Bhikkhus are active in the community, as spiritual and family advisors. Some practise the healing arts and astrology. In the contemporary context, Bhikkhus participate in the economic and political life of the country.