The life of a monk

This is a series of little vignettes I put together about the life of a monk. I made these mainly to try out the LEGO-compatible minifig accessories made by Sidan Toys, a Taiwan-based company. The accessories are available at A Minifig.Cat’s Store.

Here our little monk is meditating and chanting mantras on his prayer-beads in a peaceful, secluded place. Renounced monks try to have as little material belongings as possible, just enough to keep themselves alive. Usually their only possessions are their prayer beads, one or two sets of simple clothing, and a clay or copper water-pot to carry water or to use as a begging-bowl when needed.

Here monks are studying the scriptures together. Besides chanting and prayers, studying ancient holy writings is the main activity of a monk. Monks who are knowledgeable about the scriptures may have many disciples to teach. They may also get together with other monks to discuss about their studies.

The ideal life of a monk is based on simplicity and non-attachment to material things. Therefore they often stay in one place for only a brief period of time, and then move on. They may chant on their payer-beads or sing as they walk along. They often go barefoot, or sometimes wear simple footwear, carved from wood. In some Asian countries where there is a lot of rain and/or it is very hot, they may also carry an umbrella for some minimal protection from the elements.

List of non-LEGO elements:

PRAYER-BEADS: the prayer-beads fit a LEGO minifig’s hands perfectly. Please note that the beads are rigidly attached and not small beads on a string. In other words it could not be bent, twisted, or used as a necklace. It is available in several colors. (By Sidan Toys)

BEGGING-BOWL: this is a small bowl that can serve many purposes in a LEGO creation. It fits perfectly on a standard LEGO stud, or in a LEGO minifig’s hand. (By Sidan Toys)

UMBRELLA: the umbrella comes in two parts; the umbrella-head, and the handle. The umbrella head is available in many colors, including plain one color, or with a gold ring on top. The handle also comes in several colors, so you can mix and match them with the umbrella tops. This umbrella is perfect size for a LEGO minifig! (By Sidan Toys)

SCROLL & PAPER:  this is my most favorite part! The scroll is a really nice piece that can be used with or without the paper attached. Of course it can be used as a scroll, but it would also work great as a rolling-pin for your LEGO minifig bakers! The paper (made of plastic or course) has a really nice wavy design. It can attach to a slot on the scroll, or it can be used separately. It is a perfect piece for your minifigs who like to read! (By Sidan Toys)

WOODEN SHOES: this is a nice little accessory that your LEGO monks, ninjas, scholars, or Japanese ladies can wear. The shoes have a stud to fit on the bottom of a minifig’s feet. (By Sidan Toys)

MUSHROOM: I absolutely love the Brickforge mushrooms! They come in many colors to populate your LEGO forest, garden or roadside. (By BrickForge)