The role of the Buddhist monk or bhikkhu, both as it is defined in the scriptures, and as it is enacted on the ground, forms the critical focus of the present chapter. It is not surprising to find that there are certain discrepancies between the ideal and its practical realization; it is perhaps surprising that there are not more of them. A second and closely related issue concerns the integration of this role into the total social system. I shall examine the antecedent qualifications which go to permit, promote or prohibit a man's assumption of this role, occupancy of which may vary from a few days to a lifetime. And indeed, this close analysis of the recruitment process will in itself help us to pinpoint the factors which go to influence an individual's length of tenure as a monk. A further point for discussion turns on the significance of his period of service in the wat, for the man who later chooses to disrobe. As will become clear, qualifications earned, talents developed, and contacts made as a monk can be employed to advantage in other social roles.