[isogeople]

The Buddha established the Sangha rule of only taking food that is given precisely to ensure that the monastics would have daily contact with laypeople. From what I hear, it is very unusual for a Thai man not to be ordained at some point in early adulthood, if only for a few months. In a monastery, he will be exposed to daily contact with the Dhamma. Although they will teach some things I might no agree with, nonetheless this practice continues to ensure that the Dhamma does not die from the world. It is still there for those to find who want. The best of the monastics are the finest examples of Dhamma followers that are to be found in the world, and the fact that they have let go of materialism, lust for power, and most, if not all, other worldly pleasures is a strong indication that here is one of the best places to look for a teacher who is no longer bound to greed, hatred, and delusion.