One of my earliest photos with messy robes My original ordination certificate Exactly twenty years ago today (February 7, 2001), I followed through with my decision to ordain with lifelong intentions. Although I am only 14 vassa because of a re-ordination ceremony, this day means more to me than my very own birthday. This day was also the day I got my name. Today, I not only have the monk name Bhikkhu Subhūti, but I also have an actual legal passport name of Bhante Bhikkhu Subhuti as well as other essential ID’s too. I remember when I came to Pa-Auk still dressed in white anagārika robes that I got at Wat Pah Nanachat in Thailand when Myanmar was still an embargo state. There were about 120 monks total at Pa-Auk and just a handful of foreigners. Today, (without a pandemic) that number has grown in Mawlamyine to a rolling average of 600 monks in addition to the monks at 60 or so branch monasteries.